A week ago, the football season ended, there was elation for some and disappointment for others. (And great sadness mixed with the elation after the events during the celebrations in Liverpool).
My husband and son set off for Wembley on the Saturday, in the hope that their team would win promotion to the Premier League. Sadly, it wasn’t to be, two very grumpy men returned from the match, and it was a rather sombre drive back home to Suffolk.
Football is one thing that can trigger so many different emotions, if you are a fan of course! Elation, disappointment, frustration, jubilation
Does our faith trigger so many emotions? Do we get excited, do we cheer and wave our hands in the air? How do we share our faith with those around us? Do we share good news in a positive and exciting way? If we are honest, do we sometimes feel frustrated or disappointed when our prayers appear to go unanswered, or sad when we see the pain and destruction happening around the world, at our hands?
God wants us to share the excitement and jubilation of the knowledge that we are all loved, and can all be saved through the sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ. He also recognises there are times in our lives when we feel sad, frustrated or disappointed.
God cannot promise that “our” team will always win, but he does promise that our prayers will be answered, in his time for his purpose.
There is one consolation for my husband and son, they have the prospect of being able to watch their team at Ipswich next season, a much cheaper option!
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the promise of your saving grace. Forgive us when we fail to celebrate the excitement and joy with others. Thank you that you are with us in the good times and the bad, and you never show your disappointment in us. Help us to live out our faith in such a way that others want to share the joy and excitement of knowing you. AMEN