4th and Long, But We're Not Going to Punt

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life ~

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

Matthew 6:25a; 27 (NIV 2010)

  

Sometimes it’s difficult NOT to worry.  Lately I’ve been experiencing a period of troubling upheaval in my everyday life, but the above verses are telling me I should not be worried.   My husband was recently diagnosed with a debilitating health condition due to football related concussions which causes me to worry about his health, his care and treatment, our family’s future, our financial stability, the future for my three sons…and myself.  Everything I once thought was “solid” is now crumbling right before my eyes. 

Our MVP has been Sidelined

My husband has always been the “captain” of our family’s “team.”  In essence, I feel that our MVP has been sidelined from the game of life, and I’m like a rookie being called in on 4^th and long…and we’re not going to punt.  Now it’s up to me to play the position of "quarterback" and lead our team to a victorious future.  The clock is ticking, with little time left, and I must spring into action.  The team is counting on me, and the outcome rests solely upon my shoulders. 

Doubt and Fear Rumble Through My Mind

I run to the huddle and see the faces of my “teammates” looking at me with hopeful anticipation.  They are waiting for the next play call.  From the bench, my husband is counting on me to pull us through.  My team is depending upon me to execute the next play with skillful precision.  For a moment, I am frozen with fear thinking about the magnitude of the responsibility I face.  I hear jeers of self-doubt resounding in my ears.  As I lower my head in the huddle, the “what-if’s” spin through my mind.  What if I fail?  What if I throw an interception?  What if I am sacked in the backfield?  What if I make a wrong decision?  What if I let everyone down?  I begin to I question my abilities.  I lack confidence in my preparation for this position, and I even begin to question my “Heavenly Head Coach” for putting an inexperienced quarterback into life’s game at such a crucial point.  I certainly don’t want to “choke” with this enormous assignment.

I hear the Voice of my Heavenly “Head Coach”

I lift my eyes to find the Coach and listen for His play call.  Above the roar of the “noise” in my head, I hear His gentle voice, providing me with insight.  I have studied His Play Book.  I trust His infinite wisdom to show me how to lead my team in the best possible way.  His eyes are upon my every move, and He has known all along that He was preparing me to play this critical position.    I know He has equipped me completely to assume this role.

“…And who knows but that you have 

come to your position

for such a time as this?”  

Esther 4: 14

I feel weak with fear and anxiety, but I realize that I don’t have to rely on my own power, wisdom, capabilities, resources or protection, because He promises to be all of these for me.  He is my strength when I am weak, and He will infuse me with Heavenly wisdom when I have none.  He tells me NOT to worry.  I simply must trust in Him, obey His commands, and He will supply my every need.

I accept His instruction and call the next play for my team.  I will trust Him implicitly for the outcome.  My worries are replaced with inner calm and quiet confidence about the fact that the Coach knows what’s best for each one of His players.  He doesn’t make mistakes.  We break the huddle and the clock starts ticking…

Hut 1!, Hut 2!, Hut! , Hut! , Hut!!!….