Basketball and Perseverance

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

This week my youngest son is having his school vacation. We like to find something fun to do together and this year we were able to get tickets to go see the 13th ranked UConn Huskies play DePaul in a men's basketball game held at the XL Center in downtown Hartford. UConn came from behind to win 65-60. It was an exciting game and it was great to watch it with Shawn and a couple from our church with whom we have attended a number of sporting events.

At one point early in the second half, UConn was down by 13 points and it was beginning to look like their 9 game winning streak was going to come to an end. But as we watched the game, they played hard and began to edge back closer and closer until with less than 3 minutes to go they regained the lead and held on for the win. But it was while watching the game that I began to wonder about how it can be difficult to walk in obedience to Jesus on a daily basis. That is when I need to be like the UConn basketball team, and the apostle Paul. I cannot give up! I want to be able to say like Paul, I have finished the race. I need so much help to stay with it when the going gets tough. I need the Holy Spirit. I need the Word of God. I need other Christians. I need my family.

When I took this picture of the scoreboard, the game had not yet started. I was happy when the game ended and the score was 65-60 in favor of UConn. I also want to be happy when the game of life ends and my journey on earth is done. May God be gracious in allowing me to keep the faith!