12 Jul, 2011
Poetic Justice
It was a dramatic conclusion to what seemed to be a never-ending game. Even those who don't consider themselves to be soccer fans, couldn't help but get caught up in the drama and excitement of the final moments of the Women's World Cup Semi-Quarter Finals, on Sunday afternoon. With bad calls, an unexpected red card, and having to play a (wo)man down, it looked like all was lost for the US team, but they never gave up and it paid off. With less than a minute left in extra time (already in overtime), Abby Wambach (above) headed the ball into the goal to tie the game, leaving the US team's fate to a penalty kick shoot-out! It all ended with a 5-3 US lead in penalty kicks, sending the Americans to the semi-finals - a game they'll play against everyone on the field (and in the stands) were left in awe! Americans around the world couldn't stop cheering as they watched their players, with US flags draped over their shoulders, embrace their country and its victory. "This is the perfect example of what the United States is all about, said Wambach. "We never give up."
"Even when we went a player down and then a goal down in extra time, we kept fighting," adds Hope Solo, the US goalkeeper.
The United States advances to the semi-finals on Wednesday, where they will face France.
(See video of Wambach's winning goal here.)
Picture courtesy of Google Images, Quotes/story courtesy of Yahoo News
2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about perseverance?
For most of us, it's probably pretty easy to think of a time when we felt like our world was caving in, when the pressures and attacks from others seemed neverending and it was nearly impossible to gain footing, let alone stand. Jesus can relate. The constant attacks, persecution, and betrayals by so many, including close friends and famiy, was more than we can ever imagine or bear. Paul reminds us here, in his letter to the Corinthian church, that even though we feel like the odds are stacked against us, and the pressure seems too much to endure, because of the death and resurrection of Christ, we know that we will never be defeated! Praise God!! When it seems as though the ground is crumbling beneath our feet, we can stand on Him and His Word, believing God's promise that victory, ultimately, is His (1 Cor. 15:57)! And, as we endure and cling to Christ, those around us are able to see and experience Jesus working in and through us.
How does today's story and God's Story scripture relate to my story?
Are you in a place, right now, where you feel like life is doing nothing but throwing arrows your way, as if you had a giant target on your back? Take cover in Christ. Claim the promise of 2 Cor. 4:8-9 and remind yourself that God has the victory. Be encouraged and know that it's in our weaknesses that God tends to shine the most, not only to us, but through us. Look for ways that God is choosing to reveal Himself and His glory through your circumstances and choose to embrace Him. Write today's scripture passage on a notecard and carry it around with you wherever you go. Pull it out and read it (as many times as you need to) so that you will remember that God has the victory and, although it is tough, because of His promise, you can endure!
How can today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story relate to others?
Talk to your friends about the way you (and they) tend to respond to pressure and hardships. Ask them if they saw the US Women's World Cup game, against Brazil, in the quarter finals and talk about all that was stacked up against the team, but how they persevered and came out victorious. Talk about today's scripture verse and how its promise helps and encourages you to face the tough times in your life.
- May 2012 [14]
- April 2012 [19]
- March 2012 [21]
- February 2012 [19]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [20]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
