Last
Sunday my husband invited me to watch the Super Bowl Game with him. How could I resist with the smell of chicken
wings in the oven while he searched for dipping bowls and ranch dressing. I’m not a football fan, but I like the sound
of “patriots” since I’m politically bent.
The
husband lost interest after Lady GaGa and he left the room. I screamed for him from the sofa in the
fourth quarter telling him he needs to come back and see the game. That determined look on Tom Brady’s face
braced us for that one last shot of giving it all he’s got!
Many
compared the Patriot’s win to our national election last fall. The naysayers jabbed early in the presidential
campaign that Trump’s objective in the political race stemmed from a cry for
attention. When he won the nomination,
they said he can’t win the election. But
I saw that determined look on his face when I watched him in the rallies.
This
morning I heard the words of Jesus when I studied Mark, Chapter Nine. The
disciples felt frustrated and told Jesus they could not heal the boy with
convulsions. Jesus’ words startled me
when I read: “You unbelieving
generation. How long shall I stay with
you? How long shall I put up with
you?”
Does
that sound just a little chastising?
Maybe it’s just me…
When
they brought the boy forward, the convulsing spirit recognized Jesus and threw
the boy to the ground. The boy’s father
asked Him for pity and help if He can. “If
I can?” Jesus answered: “Everything is possible for one who
believes.”
I
ask myself: “Where is my
determination? Do I really believe?” Do I have that “all or nothing” look? I
wonder if those impossible things I ask for in prayer are hindered by any doubt
or unbelief in me.
I
hear again “How long shall I put up with you?”
Everything
is possible for the one who believes.
Even for me.
Your concluding sentence is so true! I believe in God, and pray to Him, knowing that He can turn any impossible into possible.
ReplyDeleteAmen, everything is indeed possible for the one who believes. Great post. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a shock when they won, but I just had to smile. Never say never!
ReplyDeleteThe 'all or nothing!' look? Why, I don't ever recall adopting that. (Suppose it's too late?)
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to cling to your parting sentence!
What a good lesson! Thanks for sharing it - great post!
ReplyDeleteJeremiah 32:27 NIV I am the Lord, the God of all mankind, is anything too impossible for me?" I used to pray that a lot (need to pray it again) and I would always add "nothing is impossible for you, Lord, all things are possible. And indeed, all things are possible according to his perfect will for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his name. His good for us. Not what we think we need/deserve, etc.
ReplyDeleteI have to say, regarding the Super Bowl, I was going for the Falcons. I'm not a Tom Brady fan, though I realize how incredibly talented he is as a football player and you can never rule him out. As they made their comeback in the 2nd quarter, I actually was rooting a bit for them to win the game.
Something fun about watching the Super Bowl with those we love and love to spend time with :)
betty
You always draw the reader into your life lesson, very powerful thought you shared! :)
ReplyDeleteDear, precious friend! I am in tears....oh, how I needed this tonight! Dear Lord, help my unbelief. I want to have that determined look in my eye and spirit as I approach the throne of grace with boldness. I want to believe God for ALL He has for me. I don't want to hinder Him by my doubt and fear. I honestly don't have words to tell you how much this encouraged and inspired me. THANK YOU, sweet friend. I love and appreciate you so very much!! And, by the way, I praise God from the depths of my soul that Trump won...it was an answer to many heart-wrenched prayers. When all of the "experts" kept counting him out, the Lord kept reminding me that none of them were factoring HIM in to the equation. God did an amazing thing in answer to the many prayers of His people. Surely it should inspire our faith to believe Him for the other impossibilities in our lives!
ReplyDeleteHe can and He will! I need to remember that more. Nothing's impossible with Him.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like certain situations in my life are as hopeless as a win by the Patriots seemed during the first half of the Super Bowl. But then I remind myself that God is in the game and not even the comeback by the Patriots can compare to the turnaround God can bring to a situation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mary.
ReplyDeleteAll too often, as Christians, we have a tradition of low expectations--little faith. Thank you for your faith-building words.
ReplyDeleteI often think that God must be losing His patience with me and then I am reminded of His great love for even me. I just know that without His grace and love, who knows where I would be. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful illustration, Mary. I found it cute that your husband is the football fan and he left the room after Lady GaGa, but you stayed and watched the game! :-) You are so sweet, Girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteNow about this unbelief or doubt we may have when we ask God for the impossible? I'd like to say I always believe, but then the Holy Spirit would remind me of the many times I've finished a prayer with, Lord, help my unbelief.
xx
Dianna
I don't watch footballs but a lot of Patriots' fans must be at the edge of their seat and with fast heartbeats anticipated that winning, what seemed to be an impossible "comeback". My family and I had gone through a tough time early this year but what seemed to be a major life-changing decision for my son became a minor bump when put into God's light! How focusing on God helped my son understand that "it's more than just praying about trusting the Lord with all of his heart..." It really required 100% of his trust and increasing his faith that he now knows that with God, truly, nothing is impossible!
ReplyDeleteSpiritually speaking, I am saddened how Trump was never given a chance from the very beginning. I know deep in my heart, he was exposing the corruption inside that people don't know about. But despite what people thought about him losing, he still won. It's not new that people think they know what they think they know. But we all forget that God uses the "impossible", even when it comes to "people" to do the work for Him. Thank you for this reminder sister Mary and blessing us with this post. Stay strong in the Lord's mighty power!
Hi Mari! That was an incredible game. How did they manage to come back and win??? Determination and never giving up. Just like Jesus likes our attitude. I hope that Jesus never wrings his hands over me, but I'm sure he does at times.
ReplyDeleteI should learn that with him, all things are possible. ALLthings!
Happy Valentnes Day my friend,
Ceil
I didn't watch the game, but had to laugh about your husband leaving after GaGa's entrance. The impossible often hits us in the face, almost daring us to push it aside. To be determined, and holding fast makes me want to pick up Elijah's mantle and shout, "Where is the God of Elijah? Thank you for sharing with us here at
ReplyDeletetell me a story.
I am at times like the boys father in Mark 9:24, Lord I do believe; help me to overcome my unbelief! My word for 2017 is BELIEVE! And oh sweet Mary I am truly trying in those areas that I struggle to believe God in. How I pray that He doesn't loose patience with me. Loved this post. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDelete"Help my unbelief". That part of scripture hit me as I read. We are so pressed and caught in this flesh. It does take a daily spiritual battle with the enemy, powered by God and our faith He's given us to see with our heart and not our senses that are so powerful in this flesh.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great game. It almost seemed like Divine intervention, didn't it?
Beautiful sharing. Everything is possible for the one who believes. Amen!
ReplyDelete