Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Even if . . .
by Tom Goodman
January 13, 2010

It's one thing to give God the glory when things go right; its another to continue to lift everyone's eyes to God when the wheels fall off.

Colt McCoy was injured early in last Thursday's national championship game, which contributed to a Longhorn loss to the Tide. A camera crew found the quarterback on the sideline and asked him what it all meant to him.

I love this game. I have a passion for this game. I've done everything I can to contribute to my team, and we made it this far, and it's unfortunate that I didn't get to play. I would have given everything I had to be out there with my team.... I always give God the glory. I'd never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life, and if nothing else I know I'm standing on the Rock.

Beautiful! McCoy has often said he "gives God the glory" in these sideline interviews after a win, but its even more powerful to hear it after missing the biggest game of his career.

What does it mean to "give God the glory"? As John Piper famously puts it: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." When we can, even in our losses, exhibit satisfaction in God, we're giving him glory.

Of course, this touches Diane and me personally these days. Surgeries and chemotherapy will force you to ask where real satisfaction lies.

Centuries ago, the prophet Habakkuk stubbornly said (Habakkuk 3:17-19):

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Some of us would have to admit that we "edit" Habakkuk's famous statement, however:

As long as the fig tree buds
and there are grapes on the vines,
as long as the olive crop does not fail
and the fields produce food,
as long as there are sheep in the pen
and cattle in the stalls,
only then I will rejoice in the LORD,
and be joyful in God my Savior.

What brings you your satisfaction? Your job? Your spouse? Your looks? Your financial security? Your health? God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

And sometimes the only way we can prove that to the world -- and to ourselves -- is when the fig tree does not bud.

--Tom

To see a video clip of McCoy's sideline interview, go to my weblog.

Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its Links to Your World -- interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday.

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Even if . . . by Tom Goodman January 13, 2010 It's one thing to give God the glory when things go right; its another to continue to lift everyone's eyes to God when the wheels fall off. Colt McCoy was injured early in last Thursday's national championship game, which contributed to a Longhorn loss to the Tide. A camera crew found the quarterback on the sideline and asked him what it all meant to him. I love this game. I have a passion for this game. I've done everything I can to contribute to my team, and we made it this far, and it's unfortunate that I didn't get to play. I would have given everything I had to be out there with my team.... I always give God the glory. I'd never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life, and if nothing else I know I'm standing on the Rock. Beautiful! McCoy has often said he "gives God the glory" in these sideline interviews after a win, but its even more powerful to hear it after missing the biggest game of his career. What does it mean to "give God the glory"? As John Piper famously puts it: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." When we can, even in our losses, exhibit satisfaction in God, we're giving him glory. Of course, this touches Diane and me personally these days. Surgeries and chemotherapy will force you to ask where real satisfaction lies. Centuries ago, the prophet Habakkuk stubbornly said (Habakkuk 3:17-19): Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Some of us would have to admit that we "edit" Habakkuk's famous statement, however: As long as the fig tree buds and there are grapes on the vines, as long as the olive crop does not fail and the fields produce food, as long as there are sheep in the pen and cattle in the stalls, only then I will rejoice in the LORD, and be joyful in God my Savior. What brings you your satisfaction? Your job? Your spouse? Your looks? Your financial security? Your health? God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. And sometimes the only way we can prove that to the world -- and to ourselves -- is when the fig tree does not bud. --Tom To see a video clip of McCoy's sideline interview, go to my weblog. Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its Links to Your World -- interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday. Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.