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Pastor's Corner: A longing fulfilled

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

— Proverbs 13:12

As a longtime Dallas Cowboys fan, I have enjoyed great seasons and terrible seasons over the past 45 years of watching and cheering on my team.

I became a fan of the Cowboys when I was 6 or 7 years old and watched the Thanksgiving Day game with my cousin who is also a huge fan of Dallas.

These were the days when Tom Landry coached the team. His motto was God, family, and football. My favorite player was Roger Staubach.

Eventually the owner sold the team and coach Landry was replaced. Change was difficult for me. I stayed loyal to the team but some of my close relatives still will not cheer for the Cowboys since the new owner replaced coach Landry.

Over the years I have seen the ups and downs and disappointments when my team failed to deliver a win or a winning season. I have also enjoyed cheering on my team when they won the Super Bowl or even won a playoff game after being average for three years in a row.

As I consider the above scripture, I am reminded that when my hope is crushed or disappointed I do feel sick. But I am also reminded that when my team wins an important game, I feel thrilled.

There are many comparisons between football and life as a Christian. The Bible teaches us that we must go through many trials. It also encourages us to run the race to win the prize. We are encouraged to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and to persevere. All of these encouragements are applicable to a team that desires to be crowned the Super Bowl Champions at the end of this season.

There will be injuries, persecutions, victories, discouragement, and frustrations along the path toward the championship. Some people falter in their faith. If we falter in times of difficulty then our faith is weak.

Some people cannot handle prosperity. They forget that we have to continually keep doing the things we did in the past in order to be successful in our walk with Jesus.

At times we need to encourage ourselves in the Lord. Perhaps we could encourage our Christian teammates when they are struggling in their faith walk.

The verse concludes that a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. When a Super Bowl MVP is asked what he is going to do after celebrating winning the big game he says, “I’m going to Disneyland.” When you and I finish our race I pray that we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things: I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!”

Let us enter into the joy of the Lord.

May God richly bless you.

Kevin Barsotti of the Ark Church

 

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