Knowing the Result in Advance

On several occasions I have known the name of the victor before the end of the contest. Being a pastor, I’m often unable to watch the Sunday football games. While I am preaching, the teams are playing. I don’t complain, however, since I can always record the games.

So I do.

Yet on many Sundays a well-wishing parishioner will receive a text or e-mail and learn the outcome of the game and feel the burden to share it with me. I’ve considered wearing a sign that reads “Recording the game. Don’t tell me anything!” I remember one contest in particular. 

My beloved Dallas Cowboys were playing a must-win game. I’d been careful to set the recorder and was looking forward to an afternoon of first downs and touchdowns. I avoided any mention of the event…I made it as far as my car in the parking lot when an enthusiastic fan shouted out to me, “Max, did you hear the news? The Cowboys won!!!”

Grrr. 

Gone was the suspense. Gone was the edge-of-the-seat anxiety. Gone was the nail biting and eye ducking. Even though I knew the outcome, I still wanted to watch the game. As I did, I made a delightful discovery. I could watch stress-free! The Cowboys fell behind in the second quarter, but I didn’t worry. I knew the outcome. We fumbled the ball with six minutes to play. I didn’t panic. I knew the winner. 

We needed a touchdown in the final minute. No problem. The victory was certain. So is yours. Between now and the final whistle, you will have reason to be anxious.You are going to fumble the ball. The devil will seem to gain the upper hand. Some demon will intercept your dreams and destiny. 

All that is good will appear to lose. But you do not need to worry. You and I know the final score. The next time you smell his stinky breath, remind him of the promise he is loath to hear: “The God who brings peace will soon defeat Satan and give you power over him.”