An Angle of Victory.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011
An Angle of Victory. As I shared with you in yesterday’s blog, last night was a pretty big game night in the town in which I live. For many years a stiff rivalry has existed between Cabot and Jacksonville. Once a year they face off in the “Backyard Brawl”. Last night was that face off. And the outcome was very pretty.
At halftime the game was tied up, 13-13. Now, I must be totally honest: I walked into Panther Stadium truly believing we were going to win that game. Maybe I’m just a faithful fan, idealistic, or optimistic, because I am certainly not an expert on all things football. I had an expectation of success, though, when it came to my Panthers.
Someone else walked into that stadium with the same expectation, though they weren’t hoping for the outcome I was. Just a few feet from me sat a dear friend whose grandson was playing for Jacksonville. So in a matter of inches there was a very real contrast in hopes as it related to the end of the game. And at game’s end, one of us walked away having experienced victory while the other walked away having experienced defeat.
That last sentence made me begin to think about the Christian life vs. the life of a non-believer. No, life isn’t a game, and the truth is that life’s ending is much more serious than that of a football game. But, at life’s end there will be a contrast in winning and defeat much more stark and real.
All we have to base the afterlife on is Scripture. There are those who will debate its validity until they are blue in the face, too. Simply put, the Bible was written over 1,500 years by 40 different men in 3 different languages and in different parts of the known world with no corroboration time, yet it never once contradicts itself. It is timeless, and has proven through the ages that it doesn’t catch up with the science/knowledge of man, but rather man’s science/knowledge only catches up to It. Not to mention that the Words written therein have changed my life. So you can see why I am so apt to trust what’s found written on Its pages.
The Book simply says there are two options for after this life ends: heaven and hell. God truly desires every man, woman, boy and girl to be in heaven someday, because He said so! “God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Yet, when everything we know comes to a close, it will be mere inches that separate those “in Christ” from those “without Christ” – the distance from the mind to the heart. Scripture says that to truly know Him a decision must be made within our heart to believe and trust in Him for our sins to be forgiven. It’s so much more than simply knowing in our mind – it’s a heart condition.
So where do you sit, this morning? Are you on the winning team, and in Christ? Are you ready for the moment when you will stand before God, which is an appointment you’ll have to keep some day? Or are you trusting in yourself, your goodness, your ability, and your knowledge and intellect to carry you through? Turn to Him – He’s waiting to give you eternal victory.
By the way, the outcome of last night's game was pretty, as I said. Cabot - 33; Jacksonville - 13. Turns out I was on the right side, after all.

PS: Please continue praying for the Summers (Marty, Jordan, and baby Morgan). They got some encouraging news last night but there are still many challenges and uncertainties that are ahead. Continue praying for Mary, as well. God is doing a work in her recovery that is already bringing glory to Him!



That’s just a thought, and I welcome yours.
Until next time,
blake

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