Ready, Set, Go

Those closest to me know that I am and have always been a very vocal and committed
fan of Alabama Crimson Tide football. I grew up pulling for the Tide. On Saturdays in
the fall, my favorite teams were Alabama and whoever was playing Auburn. I have a
large collection of Alabama football memorabilia. Even to this day I have photos and
plaques of Paul “Bear“ Bryant hanging in my office.

I did not attend the University of Alabama, but I’ve been to Bryant-Denny Stadium and
other arenas many times to attend Alabama football games. Throughout the day this past
Monday I received text messages and Facebook posts questioning whether or not I was
ready for the game. And yes, as you have correctly guessed, I was glued to the emotional
roller coaster we now know as the NCAA National Title Game.

Great comeback sporting events always seem to carry with it a story that inspires. A story
that challenges those who witness the event to move forward with perseverance even
when everything says there will be no chance of victory.

The hero and story following the 2018 National Championship game is a 19 year old
named Tua Tagovailoa. An incredibly calm athlete with zero starts under his belt, Tua’s
number was called to lead his team at a time when they were in great need. The rest is
history. Fans watched him lead his team from a 13 point deficit to a 3 point victory.
Following the game, in one of his many interviews, his reply to a question regarding his
preparedness was this: “I practice every day and prepare myself to be ready when my
number is called.”

One of the greatest leaders in the Old Testament was King David. His impact continues
to reach every generation due to the determination he had to prepare his heart to be ready
for that moment when he would become King. He didn’t know when his number would
be called, but he lived in a state of obedience and preparedness that qualified him for the
day God would call his number and place him in the game. His anointing and call came
as a very young boy. However, it wasn’t until after nearly 15 years that God finally “put
him in.”
There is not one of us who enjoys waiting. It is not easy. It goes against the grain for our
fleshly nature to be patient. Yet, for those who practice the spiritual discipline of waiting
on the Lord, there are incredible blessings, provisions, and anointing that will follow.
Waiting on the Lord is not intended to be a hardship. There is so much more for those
who wait.

1. There is no shame for those who wait.

To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, Do not let
me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of
those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed. (Psalm 25:1-3)

Many times the reason we experience personal or professional shame is
because we jumped the gun and went ahead of our father’s perfect timing.
The Psalmist in chapter 25 lays before us the reality of hope that there is no
shame for those who wait on the Lord.

2. The Lord will provide for and grant peace to those who wait on His
perfect timing.

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him
who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked
schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to
evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the Lord, they
will inherit the land … Wait for the Lord and keep His way, And He will exalt
you to inherit the land. (Psalm 37:7-9; 34)

3. The Plans God has for us are not a secret. If we cry out to Him for direction, He will place us on a solid foundation.

I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He
brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set
my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my
mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in
the Lord. (Psalm 40:1-3)

4. The Lord can do what no one else can.

For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the
eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for
Him. (Isaiah 64:4)

The take-home I have from the incredible game we all witnessed this week is
that God is going to operate and work in the way that will bring Him the most
glory. Following the game, the newly crowned hero, Tagovailoa, with the world
watching this miraculous comeback and spectacular ending, began his ESPN
interview by saying, “First of all I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
… with him all things are possible … all glory goes to God.”
Our God is always going to act in a way that will allow Him to attain the most
glory and praise for what has been accomplished. The question today is, how
can we give glory to God while we wait on Him, honor Him in the way we live,
and anticipate that day when He calls our number