All's Fair In Love And...Soccer?

A billion people worldwide are watching the 2012 London Summer Olympics. As my family watched the women’s soccer match between the U.S. and Colombia on Saturday, we saw the obvious foul of U.S. player Abby Wambach by a Colombia player—an elbow to the eye. Abby’s eye began to swell and change colors as she lay on her back on the field, yet the referee didn’t call a foul. 

All’s fair in love, war—and soccer? Apparently not. My son was incensed along with millions others watching, I’m sure. I reminded him of what I’ve always tried to teach my children. Life isn’t fair. The only place you can hope for fair play is in a board game, and even then, it depends on who you’re playing.J 

The foul didn’t change the outcome of the game, and in a rarity in sports, the play was reviewed by officials later. The Colombia player was suspended for two games. So, in the end, justice was served. 

God offered us fair play once. And we failed. Fortunately, for us, He didn’t stop there. 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Once He proved to us that we couldn’t operate on the fair play system, He offered us the choice between justice and redemption. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful God doesn’t play fair. Otherwise, there’d be no hope for me. I praise Him for redemption!

As we pray this week, consider that the obvious unfair circumstances in life—cancer, strokes, Parkinson’s, or other debilitating illnesses—are often matched by unseen suffering. We can’t see into a person’s soul or what goes on inside their home. Some people suffer in distressing situations with no end—at least in our temporary earthly lives. 

If you’re one of those people, I’m praying for you. Cling to this promise about the Lord we worship:

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

(Psalm 139:9-10)

Would you join me in prayer for those around the world trapped in desperate situations of war, hunger, slavery, and fear?

If you have a prayer need, please list it in the comment section below so others can pray for you. Email me confidential requests. If you’ve never taken a moment to scroll through the prayer needs, would you please do so today? 

Please pray for healing, comfort, and strength for:

·        Lori, my cousin’s wife, diagnosed with terminal metastatic cancer.

·        Courtney, young mother with cancerous brain tumor, receiving treatment through Duke. Her last MRI in July showed remarkable progress in treatment.

·        Emily, a 12-year-old with bone cancer, showing some progress in treatment.

·        TC’s father-in-law with cancer.

·        Karen with leukemia in hospice care.

·        Jennifer’s uncle and grandmother who are seriously ill.

·       Terminally ill lady in final stages of breast cancer. There are many needs here, including those of extended family and husband.

Also:

·       U.S. soldier Jesse McCart, age 26, was severely wounded in Afghanistan yesterday. He lost both legs and part of an arm. He has been stabilized in a base hospital in Afghanistan with plans to move him to Germany. He has a wife Cassie, twin babies, and a toddler. The family would greatly appreciate your prayers.

·       Those dealing with difficult family situations, mental illness, depression, health problems, and employment issues (several requests). 

·       Shanda is preparing for a mission trip to Africa in October. She needs prayer for clarity and wisdom as she studies, as well as relief as she adjusts to a new migraine medication.

·       Betty’s father-in-law passed away from complications from Alzheimer’s. Please keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

I want to welcome Suzanne Stack who is linking up with her blog Spoonfuls of Grace today to join us in prayer. If you get a chance, visit her blog. You’ll be blessed. 

This week’s song is “Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets.

May everything we say and do point to Jesus’ love!

God bless,

Laura

© Laura Hodges Poole