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September 14, 2009 - The Invisible Member of the Team

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us….”  Ephesians 3:20

Many avid football fans would say one of the most exciting games ever played occurred on a cold December afternoon in 1958.  The powerful New York Giants clashed with the Baltimore Colts and a young quarterback named Johnny Unitas during the first ever NFL overtime game.

In 1955 the Pittsburgh Steelers, who suggested that he was too small and too slow, had cut Johnny.  Finally, in the following off-season a call came to Unitas from the Colts who wanted to give him a tryout.  They eventually signed the skinny rookie for a backup quarterback position.  As fate would have it, during the fourth game of the 1956 season the starting quarterback broke his knee and opened the door for Johnny U. to do his thing.  In the following years Unitas would set many team records including throwing at least one TD pass in each of 47 consecutive games.

On that historic December day in 1958, before a roaring crowd of 64,185 in Yankee Stadium, Unitas directed the Colts to a thrilling “come from behind” 23-17-overtime victory.  The ebb and flow of the game kept the fans on the edge of their seats the entire game.  Many spectators would classify this battle as the most thrilling game in football history.  The finicky invisible player called “Big Mo”, AKA momentum, seemed to vacillate back and forth unable to choose a winner between the two teams.

Most coaches will tell you that embracing momentum can mean the difference between victory and defeat.  There are many things that build momentum during a game.  It could be as simple as the ball bouncing your way, or a spectacular play made by a marquee   player, or a previously unknown player who steps up and plays the game of his life.  When these things happen play after play the team begins to see and feel confident and smug.  They tend to play with more enthusiasm and abandonment.

In a similar manner the Holy Spirit empowers a Christian.  Through the Spirit, God gives believers all the spiritual power they will ever need to live a victorious Christian life.   When the Spirit enters the life of a new believer, new power, enduring strength and godly wisdom is available so that he or she might serve others and grow in the knowledge of God.  In Ephesians 3:20 Paul was encouraging the new believers in Ephesus that God’s Spirit can do far more in their lives than they could ever imagine. 

Through actual experience Paul knew of the spiritual resources and power supply that only the Spirit of God could provide.  He was regularly challenged physically, emotionally and spiritually yet found peace and comfort in the energy of the Comforter. “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed….” 2 Corth. 4 8-9.  Paul’s power rested in his identification with the risen Christ and the appropriation of the power of God’s Spirit (vs. 7).

Like the Big Mo, we can win at life if we utilize the power of the Spirit to control our lives.  When you encounter fear, frustrations, failures, threats or sickness, remember the Holy Spirit is your true source of strength and might.  And unlike Big Mo, you can count on God’s Comforter to remain true to the end.