Super Bowl XLVI - 'Facing The Giants'
It is by far the biggest sporting and TV event in the nation. For true fans of the sport, it is the ultimate contest with interest for some actually surpassing a day like Christmas. For the casual fan, it becomes larger than life too. And even for those who don’t know field goal from a grand slam, it is a reason to throw a party and watch the famed commercials that can run many millions for mere seconds.
This year’s game was a re-match between the Giants of New York and the Patriots of New England. The ‘Pats’ were slightly favored because of their legendary coach, quarterback, and the revenge angle from 2007 when New York pulled off what could appear to be a miraculous win with catches that will forever be a part of the NFL’s greatest memories.
Sunday’s game literally came down to the last few seconds when Brady’s typical genius got him close enough, with one minute remaining, to throw up one last “Hail Mary” pass that could have ended up in the hands of either team and thus deciding the outcome of the nail-biting affair. But as ‘fate’ would have it again, the Giants' defenders knocked the ball to the ground and became champions of their sport twice in the last four years at the expense of the talented New England squad.
Is God interested in the results of the Super Bowl or any game for that matter? That is a good question and some have reconsidered that possibility after watching outspoken Christian rookie quarterback, Tim Tebow, pull off what seemed like miracle after miracle for Denver’s Broncos this year. But God is surely interested in those who play in these games. The same holds true for those who sit at home in their favorite jersey. gorging themselves on junk food, and screaming until their voices give out.
A few ago, a church in Georgia produced a film titled, ‘Facing The Giants’. It was about a small Christian high school and their football team that had been on a long painful losing streak. The coach’s job was on the line and his personal life plagued by ongoing problems. His car was shot, his wife unable to have a child, and their finances a disaster. Even their rented home 'stunk' from a dead animal that could not be located. It was in one of his many desperate moments that the bewildered coach read the Scriptures and turned to God, not for his usual time of complaining or questioning, but with a broken heart and true willingness to fully accept God’s will and to give the Lord his very best - no matter what life brought!
Upon explaining this to his team, and reminding them of the real purpose and importance of the Christian life, they one by one bought in to the new priority of their spiritually revitalized leader. Soon a major revival broke out on the small school campus originating in the locker room. And before long the down-trodden team were giving their individual best to God at home, in the class, and on the field. A winning streak ensued that ultimately led them to the championship game to face a literal team of ‘giants’ who were twice their size and twice in numbers. But through their faith and full dedication to each other and to God they won the final game. In the locker room, following the victory, the overwhelmed coach went from player to player and quoted just one verse - Matthew 19:26. "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible ."
The same mindset is what helped King David face and kill a giant against all odds as described in 1 Samuel. 17. His play-book consisted of just one strategy spelled out in verses 45-47. “Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."
Each of us face ‘giants’ in this earthly life. And whether they be on the football field, in a career, a marriage, through finances, or even the loss of a loved one, giving God our problems along with giving Him our very best is the only way to gain the victory and also glorify Him! Jesus stated it simply in Matthew 11:28-30. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
To hear the interview that Dave did with the producer and actor Pastor Alex Kendrick of “Facing the Giants” click here. And do get a copy if you have never seen the film and are in need of spiritual help, inspiration, and direction. It may well change your life and give you a victory that dwarfs winning the Super Bowl two times or even two thousand times.
Bill Breckenridge
