Is Your Hope Eternal?
“I am confident in the Lord….” Gal. 5:10
I truly enjoy watching various NFL playoff teams compete for the coveted prize of their division’s championship. After watching my friend and Raider All-Pro Rich Gannon perform years ago, I was convinced, and still am, that the confidence of the quarterback is a key factor for the success of any team. When a QB passes the ball, there are basically four possibilities: a completion, an incompletion, a penalty, or an interception. With only fifty percent odds that the outcome will be good, a QB needs a great deal of confidence. If a quarterback loses confidence in himself, his line, or his receivers, he runs the risk of being intercepted or having an incompletion. Gannon exudes confidence in his team, his coaches, his play-calling abilities, and his God given skills.
In his book, Play Football the NFL Way, Tom Bass states, “Height and weight may vary considerably from one quarterback to another, but all successful quarterbacks have an inner strength and belief in themselves.” They bring an air of confidence to the field and the huddle that is quickly transmitted to the players.
We too can be confident when we “enter the field.” If our confidence is in the truth of salvation and the person of Jesus Christ, our hope is eternal. When the Apostle Paul was facing the executioner’s sword, he did so with an assurance that had sustained him through other trying times. His ministry was full of danger, and yet he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was serving his Lord. Paul knew that through his belief and trust in God, he would eventually find perfect peace. He had confidence and assurance in his Savior and his salvation. This determined optimism is more than “positive thinking.” It’s grounded in truth.
May the truth of the gospel give us all confidence, and may our confidence in Jesus Christ glorify God…and be contagious!
The Power of Truth:
“I thank my God every time I remember you…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3, 6
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Heb. 10:35
“…for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” Prov. 3:26
Suggestion for Prayer:
If your confidence is placed anywhere other than on Christ, confess it. Humble yourself before the Lord and allow Him to fill you with the eternal hope and assurance that sustained Paul.