Romans 15:13 New International Version (NIV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Just being optimistic will not necessarily change the outcome of all situations. By nature people will either see a glass half full or half empty. You either live a life of optimism or pessimism. It also does not mean your faith is stronger just because your view of the situation is optimistic.
This past Sunday, I watched the NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks. These two incredible NFC teams had quarterbacks who are very talented and hard fighters, as well as, leaders of men.
The Panthers had the Seahawks down 31 to 0 at the half. It did not look optimistic for Seattle. Russell Wilson was playing hard along with his team, but Cam Newton and the Panthers were dominate forces. Everything was in Carolin’s favor. Even the announcers were not optimistic of the fate of Seattle.
The Seahawks came out at the second half with guns blazing. First they had a 50 yard kickoff return, and then eventually a score. The Seahawks fought back to be within 7 points, and they had shut down the Panther offense.
With all their optimism the Seahawks ran out of time and were defeated by the Panthers. What I noticed with the remaining two minutes of the game was Russell and some of the players praying.
Biblical optimism is a result of the character of God. This in plain English is hope. When you put hour hope in Christ, you come to the terms of His Sovereign plan. Are you saying that Carolina prayed harder? No, I am not say that. I am saying that God cares and is part of all things in our lives.
Men, it is important that regardless of what happens in this life or what is put on your plate, we must continue to have optimistic out look. It is like the verse in Romans 8:28, ‘All things work together for those who love God’ – “My Version”.
Godly hope or optimism looks beyond what we understand and views it from God’s perspective.
I believe that Russell Wilson and the Seahawks will get back into the fight next season. Let’s allow our lives to get back into the fight because winning or losing, it is always in the hands of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Strength and Courage
Mike
