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Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (NASB)
Sifting through old memories-in-a-box can often uncover some long-forgotten items that stir a few controversies that are as relevant today as they were back then. One such item was a 30-year-old Sports Illustrated article that asked, "Does God care who wins the Super Bowl?"
Since much of my career was spent in society's sandbox (sport), it was an intriguing question to ask, especially since I recall a little mea culpa along the way. It is now a shade embarrassing to admit praying for the outcome of a particular hockey game, seeing that it was sort of miraculously answered, then later wondering about the absurdity of putting God on the spot.
What about the fan for the other team praying for a different outcome? Pretty simple summation, wot?
Many fans are familiar with the athletes who raise an arm to the heavens or kneel down after a touchdown or a home run, or teammates gathering in a circle to bow in prayer following a win. We recognize those who show outward glory to God.
Then, there are guys like major league pitcher Dave Dravecky, who had managed a sparkling comeback from cancer in his throwing arm, only to suffer, in a highly publicized television highlight, that same arm snap in a throwing motion in the midst of a game. Dave Dravecky thanked God for a career in baseball and went on to another distinguished career — in ministry.
Some committed Christian athletes believe that God does get involved when they win. Legendary Green Bay Packer, Reggie White, a pastor himself, objected to theologians' general view that God would not care about the outcome, if He even knew that such a game was being played in the first place. White bowed to Scripture references such as God's support of David against Goliath.
Particularly hair-splitting is my preference for God-incidence over co-incidence. Does God really deflect that pass or cause that fumble?
Far too many fans get intensely tuned into the game, while thousands of innocents are injured or die in wars in the Middle East and Ukraine or starve in Africa or North Korea. Methinks our good Lord has many other things on His mind. For us, sport is playtime, escapism.
Yep, the Grey Cup game is coming in Canada and the National Hockey League faces off another season today.
Remember … God just might care … care that it's only a game.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember that Your instruction to us, through the example of Jesus Christ, is to serve You through serving others. We often tend to shrug off the evils that surround us because we have little interest or control. But we are thankful that the very least that we can do is to pray — for Your help in our distress, and for Your will to be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.
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About the author:
Jim Leith <jimleith@yahoo.ca>
Langley, British Columbia, Canada
Send your feedback to the author
Thanks for the perspective, Jim.
Amen and amen! To God be the glory. Blessings.
Morning Jim:
Thank you.
Blessings.
Good morning:
A well written article.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Thanks Jim, I too feel that perhaps should pray more for all the needy people and that the wars will end. Blessings to you and your family.
Interesting subject you picked Jim. Thanks for your thought-provoking devotional.
(Texas)
Jim, thanks for the reminder to have the correct perspective on what matters in God’s Kingdom in which we are citizens as children of the King. Earthly temporary concerns are only trivial and can distract us. Press on for the True prize!
Thank you, Jim, for your mindful words today. Yes, we need centre our thoughts on serving others in our daily lives and by doing so, honour our Lord. Praying faithfully for the concerns of other people in our lives is an important duty to fulfill. Blessings for your positive and encouraging writing.
Hi Jim,
So encouraging to see the name Jim Leith at the bottom of a very appropriate PresbyCan devotional. I have no doubt that sports fans will appreciate it as I do because the truth is best be told. You nailed it brother as you usually do.
I am now looking forward to your next submission.
God bless.
Thank you for having the courage to write this devotional. I have always been appalled at the energy, money and dedication poured on team sports.
There are homeless people in the streets who have no place to go to have a shower or to go to the bathroom for that matter and yet there is no enthusiasm to do anything about it. Why is escapism more important than the plight of poverty and alienation?
Please contribute more devotionals.
Something I’ve pondered over the years. When we were younger my husband was basically addicted to the sports – hockey, baseball, curling, and I was sort of addicted to the anger of being very much secondary to anything sports. There’s another méa cuppa. Then when the children were born, and I was happily busy mothering, I think he became a bit angry about coming second after the three children. My point … there’s no question that God knows all about each sport, each person’s desires for outcomes, but the important thing to HIM, (in my opinion) is not who wins or who loses but rather how does each individual respond to each play – each game. God can use every single ‘play’ to draw people to Himself somehow – and each individual has the privilege of turning toward Him or away from Him. I love the question … and the pondering. Your headline is a great inspiration for discussion of what is important to the Lord.
This is such an interesting subject; one I am sure many people have considered. I think I have thought more along the lines of what playing in such a game means to each player. Has playing on a team made this player a better person. Is this player reaping the benefits of having a better conditioned body or a more discerning mind. If injuries occur, does this player realize the importance of looking after the body they have been given. Can this player rise from the ashes of defeat to play again or transfer all the positive things they have learned to a new beginning. So many players have gone on in life to live lives of service to their family, their community, their country.
Ultimately, I don’t think winning or losing matters to our supreme being. I think it is more the importance of the game on the individual and getting something from the game to strengthen their character.
Thanks for your wonderfully challenging devotional. In the last couple of years, I’ve had many losses and will continue to have them as I navigate my 80s, but they have resulted in a “Closer walk” with our loving Father.
So pleased that you’ve joined the BC Team of writers for the Daily, inspiring us to win at losing!
Blessings.