It’s No Game – The Outcome is Certain

“Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:2

Image courtesy of Hope Church Newham

The technological revolution of recent decades has brought countless changes to our lives. Most have been positive – for example, those that allow us to manage time better.

Many sports fans have taken full advantage. Rather than set aside three hours (or more) for a scheduled game, they record it. Now, they can watch at their convenience.

The challenge is what comes next. Most fans don’t want to know the game’s outcome in advance. So, unless they can watch it soon after recording, they have to dodge any related chatter.

Think of all the dangerous places this could come up: at work. In a conversation with a friend. In the grocery store line. On social media, radio, TV …

Cover your ears?

One would almost have to hide in a cave to avoid spoiling the surprise. All it takes is one nearby person exclaiming “Wow, can you believe the last-second play the (FILL IN YOUR FAVORITE TEAM) made to win the other day?”

Obviously, if you already know the game’s result, you’re much less interested in watching it. Why would you be? Isn’t suspense part of the fun?

Similarly, for many business executives, the fulfilling part of running a company is the many challenges. Is their vision the right one? Are their decision-making skills on point? Can they steer the organization through rough times? Do they have what it takes to be a leader?

If they already know ahead of time that everything will turn out OK (or otherwise), well, to quote the great B.B. King, “the thrill is gone.”

Everyone, regardless of what they do for a living or amusement, faces uncertainty in their lives. Maybe it’s the score of a football game. Maybe it’s the course of business. Or perhaps it’s something far more ominous, such as waiting on critical health test results.

The one certainty

We, as Christians, can only be certain of one thing in life: God loves us.

Consider Psalm 52:8: “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.

Or Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We know the ultimate outcome. Jesus conquered death. He granted us eternal salvation.

Our lives are like a recorded football game. Nothing will separate us from God’s love – no dropped passes, or fumbles, or interceptions, or missed field goals.

God always wins. Take solace in this, especially during life’s upheavals – whether job losses, bad business decisions or unwelcome medical news.

True, when we struggle with hard times, God’s presence might seem distant. It’s not. He’s with us. God has fought endless hard battles before we knew the fights even existed.

Keep in mind the words of Nehemiah 2:4-5: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.

Christ has power over what overpowers us. His sacrifice was the ultimate proof of God’s endless love.

God wins. He’ll keep doing so. We win, too, by trusting Him and proclaiming His glory.

It’s no game. You know the outcome. Rather than a conversation to avoid, this is one you should be shouting for all to hear … because your team will always win.

(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)

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