The BEST Team Does NOT Always Win

One of the hardest things in sports to understand is how a team that nobody thinks can win beats a team that nobody thinks can lose.  The fact is that the strongest - the tallest - the fittest - do not always win the game.  It happens in sports and it happens in life.  As a matter of fact many times in Israel’s history they were NOT the strongest or the most powerful nation or army and yet they won resounding victories.  When they left Egypt they were not an army trained in warfare they had no chance against the well trained Egyptian army.  Yet God destroyed the Egyptians and all Israel had to do was TRUST Him and watch. The same thing happened over and over in Israel’s history.  And the same thing is true for us as Christians in our walk with God. Let’s look at these verses together.

Psalm 20:7 (NET) Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we depend [trust] on the LORD our God.

When David wrote this verse chariots and horses were considered almost invincible in wars that were fought primarily on foot with swords, spears, and arrows.  He was reminding the people that it did not matter that they did not have chariots and horses.  Their enemy was trusting in their weapons and techniques of war thinking that their chariots and horses made them strong. David was reminding them that GOD was the one who made them strong God was the one who would give them the victory. 

Psalm 44:3 (NLT)  They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strong arm that gave them victory. It was your right hand and strong arm and the blinding light from your face that helped them, for you loved them.

This Psalm was a reminder to the people that they did NOT defeat their enemies because of their strength or their skill with swords.  The victory came to them because of God’s Power and Strength.  They were able to defeat their enemies because God loved them and fought for them.

Romans 8:31 (NET)  What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

 

These things? are the description Paul gave in chpts. 5-8 of all the ways that we are blessed IN CHRIST.  Then he asks: If God is for us (and HE is FOR US...then) who can be against us?  The answer expected is NO ONE.  Not that we don’t have enemies. Not that Satan does not want to destroy every Christian he can.  But the fact is if God is on our side and Satan is powerless against God.  When Jesus died and Rose again He won once and for all the victory.  So who can be against us? NOBODY.  The practical implications of these verses in our lives is huge.  Many times we think if we can just find one more technique or method then we will do better spiritually.  Or if our church would just try this new approach or program then we would really grow and see amazing things.  But the fact of the matter is that personally and as a church family victory, strength, and growth come from God not techniques, programs and methods.  Yes we must pursue excellence in the things that we do.  Yes programs and methods can be helpful in our walk with God.  But we must be diligent in seeking after Him.  If God is FOR US it does not matter who may be against.  We can Trust Him Not the latest fad, technique or program.   

PRAYER Lord God no matter what is happening Your Power and Strength are the ONLY source of Victory.  Lord help me, help our church, to seek Your Power, Your Strength, Your help.  Oh Lord may it be clear that You are working in us and through us.  Please Lord God turn Your Power loose - show that You ALONE are GOD.