What Football Taught Me About Jesus’ Return

I hear a lot of talk about the series of lunar eclipses on the horizon. Couple this with the timing of solar eclipses appearing in the next year and a half and it perks some predictions or maybe more, some questions. Will Jesus return in 2015? What do I do with all these signs or warnings?

I have to be honest, there’s a part of all this that makes me want to throw up. A little thing called fear of the unknown creeps into my throat. But I match that up against God’s Word and find the knockout punch,

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

So I pray, and I ask,

God, what do you want me to do with this? What does this mean for me today? Tomorrow? …

Every year as summer ends Dad packs his bag and leaves for a month. NFL training camp. This, too, mounts a bought of nausea. It’s not our favorite time of year. We miss Dad. In fact, 10 years later, I still tear up when I walk him to his truck and get that last kiss good-bye.

It’s a stretch. For him and us. He’s Dad. The kids miss him terribly. We talk about him all the time. We talk to him as often as possible. We can’t wait to get him home. Why? Because Dad loves us. He takes care of us. He protects us. He makes us laugh. His presence creates joy, rest, all in all … the warm fuzzies.

There’s always a day on the calendar marked, “TC Ends.” (On my calendar I include several exclamation points!) But we know the coach makes the final call. If he wants to break camp early, he will. (We hope he does!) Or if he wants to keep the team a few days longer, he will.

While the kids and I wait, we busy ourselves. We look for things to do. If we stay productive, we ease the ache of our hearts and give purpose to the days in front of us. In fact, Luke’s absence often pushes me to do more – because I represent my husband. He trusts me. I know how he wants our house to run, so I apply myself to accomplish it.

I don’t focus on when Luke will return. Instead, I make sure I hold to the standard set by his presence. So, when he does return he finds a thriving home. One he can be proud of. One that bears his image and his heart.

And THAT is what I will do today.

Jesus is coming back. The day, God will choose. While you wait, get busy. God left much in your care. Talk about Him. Talk to Him. Do more for Him. Hold tight to His standard, so when He does return He sees a glimpse of His image and His heart in your life.

Let this energize you to pursue Christ. Let it push you to press on. Let it remind you, You’re working for the Lord. And don’t forget to smile.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Ephesians 6:7 (NLT)

Training camp brings hard, sometimes grueling work. But with the risks come hopes of a new season and dreams of the reward that lies in store for the one team that perseveres till the end. After all these years, we still daydream of what it would feel like to win a Super Bowl. Watch the confetti fall. Hoist the trophy. Win it all.

Pssst …

The script’s already been written. If you follow Jesus, you win it all. And God offers more than a little confetti …

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT)

Where do you go from here?

Start with your own heart. Is it fertilized or full of weeds?

How about your mind? Your body? God calls you His temple. Are you taking good care of it?

After you look inward, turn your attention outward and ask, who and what has God put in your hands?

Now friend, let’s get to work!