Tuesdsay, May 24, 2011 - I Wanted to See God's Faithfulness

5:13 a.m. Prayer
5:30 a.m. Meditation

5:45 a.m. - 6:45 Plyometrics

ay 24, 2011




I Wanted to See God's Faithfulness

Holly Good, Assistant to Lysa TerKeurst

"You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." Psalm 10:17 (NIV)

My heart pounded. My teeth clenched. My hands gripped the arms of my chair. I was in the midst of watching a stressful soccer game my 15 year old son was playing in on a beautiful weekend afternoon recently.


His team had a history of unpleasant experiences with this aggressive team. Every season, each game with this team inevitably spiraled into intense rough and rude behavior, language that would make your hair stand on end and a sideline of coaches and parents that made the actions on the field seem minimal.

As we drove the hour long commute to the game, I encouraged my son to play clean and to represent God well. He asked me to "keep praying" as he got out of the car and walked toward the field.

I realize it was only a soccer game, but I started to pray and I didn't stop. I prayed for safety. I prayed for good attitudes. I also selfishly prayed that we would finally win a game against this team.

I watched with a grateful heart as my son huddled his teammates together to pray before they embarked on the field.

I begged God, again, to let them win this game. I wanted to see His faithfulness. I wanted my son and his teammates to learn that when you pray and seek God, you will win.

But winning isn't always the way God chooses to show His faithfulness. What a lesson for my son — what a lesson for me.

The game began, and as expected, the players got increasingly aggressive and the intimidating tactics started to build.

"Please show your faithfulness God," I prayed.

The shoving ensued, the language flew and the opposing coaches screamed beyond reason. I wanted to leave, yet I knew I needed to stay to support my son.

Our team lost a very difficult game that day. They were frustrated and extremely disappointed.

As we drove home, I tried my best to encourage my son, but deep in my heart and mind I found myself wishing God would have stepped in. I wanted God to show His faithfulness on the field that day. I wanted them to win the game. I wanted my son to see that God heard and answered his prayers.

We trust in a God who protects, guides, listens, and always understands the hows and whys behind every intricate detail. I reluctantly admit that after this particular game, it took me quite awhile to recall these truths and in turn relay them to my son.

God shows His faithfulness in ways we do not see. I am often reminded of this when I read Isaiah 55:9, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." I had to remind myself that His answers are not always immediately evident.

His love, strength and power unfold in ways we may never fully comprehend. I desperately wanted God to show Himself faithful on the field that day. But winning isn't the only way He shows His faithfulness.

He heard and answered our prayers, just not necessarily in every way we wanted. No one was injured. Everyone returned home safely.

God was faithful. He surely was.

How might God be showing His faithfulness in your life today?

Dear Lord, thank you for your faithfulness, even during the times I cannot see it. I know you are always there — loving me and protecting me. Please help me to trust in you and your perfect path for me today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.