BEARS FAN
By Pastor Andre Dove
On September 14, 2014 at approximately 5:30pm, I sat down to watch one
of the most exciting NFL games I’ve seen in a long time. The Chicago
Bears vs. The San Francisco 49ers. I know that doesn’t mean much to
those of you who are diehard Seahawks fans; however, since I’m a
transplant from the Chicago land area; I say with no hesitation, I AM
A BEARS FAN 4 Life!! Now that we have my personal public service
announcement out of the way, let’s continue. Like many of you, I’m on
the edge of my seat during a game; analyzing, critiquing, yelling,
posting comments on Facebook, and flailing my hands in utter
disappointment when my team makes a mistake that could potentially
cost us the game. Moreover, on this particular afternoon, things
didn’t seem much different. The Bears couldn’t get it together and
honestly, I didn’t think they were going to win. In the first few
minutes of the first quarter, the 49ers scored a touchdown. A few
football minutes later they scored a field goal. Now the score is 10-0
49ers. The second quarter roles around and the bears score a
touchdown. Now, I’m breathing a little easier and the excitement
returns and I’m saying to myself like we all do, “I believe we might
be able to do something with the 49ers.” All of a sudden, my hopes and
dreams are dashed... they score again. So it’s 17-7 at halftime. And
you know what happens during halftime; we’re communicating as if we’re
the coach of the adjustments which need to be made while trying to
boost our own mental confidence and allegiance to the team. So we come
out of halftime with renewed vigor and a new hope. The third quarter
begins, and the 49ers score a field goal which makes the score is
20-7. And I must say my mood changed instantly to feeling defeated and
frustrated again; notwithstanding, my blood pressure is through the
roof. As the third quarter ends and the fourth quarter begins; I’m
ready to turn off the T.V. assuming I know what the outcome is going
to be but I watch the rest of the game with a seemingly sad
disposition. But to my surprise and chagrin the momentum shifts, Jay
Cutler and Brandon Marshall connect for three touchdowns in the fourth
quarter to win the game. The final score was 28-20. The Bears pulled
off one of the greatest comebacks this year.
Like the Bears, you may be feeling as if your life up to this point
has been a series of defeats, disappointments, frustrations and pain,
while also believing that God has abandoned you. Beloved, I want you
to know. God has not forgotten you and your fourth quarter comeback is
going to be amazing to you and to those who thought you would never be
anything or accomplish anything. The great architect of the universe
is your coach and he says to you just as he said to the children of
Israel in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,
declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a
future and a hope.” God is using these trials to position you in a
place where he can get the most glory out of your life. Now is not the
time to abandon your faith. You must refocus, you must believe, and
you must endure. Child of God, these trials will not last always;
Psalms 30:5 declares “For his anger is but for a moment and his favor
is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with
the morning.” Be encouraged in all you do.
|