On September 14, 2014 at approximately 5:30pm, I sat down to watch one of the most exciting NFL games I’ve seen in a long time. The Chicago Bears vs. The San Francisco 49ers. I know that doesn’t mean much to those of you who are diehard Seahawks fans; however, since I’m a transplant from the Chicago land area; I say with no hesitation, I AM A BEARS FAN 4 Life!! Now that we have my personal public service announcement out of the way, let’s continue. Like many of you, I’m on the edge of my seat during a game; analyzing, critiquing, yelling, posting comments on Facebook, and flailing my hands in utter disappointment when my team makes a mistake that could potentially cost us the game. Moreover, on this particular afternoon, things didn’t seem much different. The Bears couldn’t get it together and honestly, I didn’t think they were going to win. In the first few minutes of the first quarter, the 49ers scored a touchdown. A few football minutes later they scored a field goal. Now the score is 10-0 49ers. The second quarter roles around and the bears score a touchdown. Now, I’m breathing a little easier and the excitement returns and I’m saying to myself like we all do, “I believe we might be able to do something with the 49ers.” All of a sudden, my hopes and dreams are dashed... they score again. So it’s 17-7 at halftime. And you know what happens during halftime; we’re communicating as if we’re the coach of the adjustments which need to be made while trying to boost our own mental confidence and allegiance to the team. So we come out of halftime with renewed vigor and a new hope. The third quarter begins, and the 49ers score a field goal which makes the score is 20-7. And I must say my mood changed instantly to feeling defeated and frustrated again; notwithstanding, my blood pressure is through the roof. As the third quarter ends and the fourth quarter begins; I’m ready to turn off the T.V. assuming I know what the outcome is going to be but I watch the rest of the game with a seemingly sad disposition. But to my surprise and chagrin the momentum shifts, Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall connect for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to win the game. The final score was 28-20. The Bears pulled off one of the greatest comebacks this year.
Like the Bears, you may be feeling as if your life up to this point has been a series of defeats, disappointments, frustrations and pain, while also believing that God has abandoned you. Beloved, I want you to know. God has not forgotten you and your fourth quarter comeback is going to be amazing to you and to those who thought you would never be anything or accomplish anything. The great architect of the universe is your coach and he says to you just as he said to the children of Israel in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” God is using these trials to position you in a place where he can get the most glory out of your life. Now is not the time to abandon your faith. You must refocus, you must believe, and you must endure. Child of God, these trials will not last always; Psalms 30:5 declares “For his anger is but for a moment and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Be encouraged in all you do.