National Championship

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NIV

Last night, the CFP National Championship college football game was finally played between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

At our house, Amy’s alma mater is Auburn and mine is Southern Mississippi. So, there was not much “love” nor picking of sides for either team. The teams were what they were and nothing to get overly excited about. 

After Notre Dame came out hungry and scored on a long, time consuming drive, he Buckeyes came back with 4 straight scoring drives and victory was all but in doubt from there. 

And though we were happy to hear of the faith of the winning quarterback and many on his teammates, we were a bit disappointed that the Notre Dame quarterback (who has proclaimed his faith all season) had a Cinderella comeback story fall short… but made it exciting at the end... trying desperately to snatch victory from defeat.

You see, that’s a similar story of what it’s like to be a Believer. We’re not promised victory in every game or championship that we play. No matter how hard we work or how much success we’ve had in the past. We’re not promised that everything will turn up roses in every endeavor that we take on. We’re not promised that we will gain riches and wealth when we become followers of Christ.

No, in fact, we’re told quite the opposite. Told of the battles and struggles. The only victory that we are promised is the Victory found in Jesus. That is, victory over death, victory by the blood and the resurrection, victory over sin. Jesus has already won the final battle. We are already promised forgiveness and eternal life, if only we’ll trust and believe.

So on this frigid East Tennessee morning, Amy will likely wear her “Auburn” sweatshirt all day and I’ve already put my “Southern Miss” sweatshirt in my gym bag, in silent support of our alma maters…

Knowing that True Victory is at hand. 

Let the celebration begin!

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem