The year is 2010. Most of the world has been waiting impatiently for this year since the summer of 2006. For most, this summer brings a chance at redemption. For one nation, a chance to defend its right to call themselves the world's greatest. It brings excitement and adrenaline. It gives us all a reason to cheer. World Cup 2010 is almost here at long last.
You have probably guessed that this event dominates the majority of my thoughts. Even right now my heart is pounding as I wonder who will be this year's dark horse. Can the US upset mighty England? What power's will fall? And What will happen in deadly Group G?(if you're confused see http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/standings/index.html ) Needless to say I'm pumped. So, with soccer commanding my thoughts I have been making connections between this beautiful game, life, and God.
It has always been easy for me to see God as a coach. I love sports and my dad has always been there to give me pointers and guide me as I try to excel. This analogy has given me a great view of my heavenly Father. He has the game plan. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. The great thing about using a soccer coach for this analogy is that all the coach's planning can be changed based on the whim of a player. Soccer is fluid and the players have the freedom to do whatever they want. Likewise, we as Christians can step off the path God has placed before us. And, like any good coach, God can adjust His plans based on the player's actions. God never gives up on us. We can never step beyond His ability to save us.
Losing is an inevitable part of soccer. I hate it. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate losing more than I love winning. But, its part of the game. Failure, similarly, is an inescapable aspect of life. Pain, suffering, and heartbreak will happen in life. Luckily, our Father gets us through. Just like any great coach, God feels the pain of our defeat. He has sympathy and helps us back to our feet.
Sometimes pain is necessary for the ultimate good. Training is hard in soccer. Running, agility work, ladders, footwork, sit-ups, push-ups, and team work. It's tough but necessary. Hard work, pain, blood, sweat, and tears make a team great. In Christianity, we go through storms sometimes to come out stronger. Sometimes God pushes us to our limits to make us better. We have to leave our comfort zones, face the fire, and have our hearts broken so that God can rebuild us, refine us, and guide us to save the lost.
God, like soccer, gives us a lot to be excited about. He fills our lives and mends our broken hearts. He is our everything and its time we had the fire for Him that we have for things like the World Cup. I would love to see a day when the world's attention focuses on God the way it will focus on South Africa this summer.
