In 2023, Oklahoma softball, the number one team in the nation, lost to unranked Baylor 4–3. Here are some of the comments made on social media: “Well, there goes our softball season.” “What is wrong with us?” “I guess you can kiss the three peat goodbye.”
The next week they beat the new number one team in the nation, UCLA, 14–0. Here are some of the comments made on social media: “Could this team be the greatest?” “I never doubted.”
When our faith is based on the ever-changing world of sports, ever-changing circumstances in sports and the ever-changing opinions of others, we will live on a roller coaster of emotions. Unchanging faith is based on an unchanging God.
The apostle Paul understood this when he was arrested for preaching about Jesus and was on a ship headed to Rome when the ship wrecked.
People “assumed” he was a convicted murderer. Then they “assumed” he was a god. Neither was true. His faith wasn’t in the changing opinions of others but in God. He could have believed one and been destroyed by doubt or believed the other and been destroyed by pride. Instead, Paul knew exactly who he was because he knew the God who created him and the purpose God had for him. The changing thoughts of others didn’t change his plan or his hope. He got to Rome and kept preaching while in house arrest.
How do we have unchanging faith in an ever-changing world 24/7? Ask questions.
Where is my focus? Is it on my storm or God who controls even the wind and waves of storms? Is my focus on bad circumstances or good God?
Where are my feet? Am I in church or my bed? Am I in community with people that encourage my faith?
How am I being fueled? Am I fueling my fears and insecurities with social media, or am I fueling myself with the Word of God that reminds us that we are on the side of VICTORY?
In a world that’s always changing, may we cling to the God who never does!