I'll admit it -- I haven't always been a soccer enthusiast. Give me football, baseball, or even a good pickleball match, and I'm right at home! But lately, I've found myself cheering with all my heart for the red, white, and blue.
Of course, I was hoping Team USA would defeat Belgium last night. The final score wasn't what we had hoped for, and like every loyal fan, I wished the outcome had been different.
But as I watched those remarkable young men play with determination, discipline, and incredible teamwork, I realized something.
Sometimes the greatest victory isn't found on the scoreboard.
It's found in the character of the people wearing the uniform.
What caught my attention wasn't a spectacular goal or an amazing save. It was something that happened after Team USA advanced to the Round of 16.
What caught my attention wasn't a spectacular goal or an amazing save.
In that moment, the world saw something bigger than soccer.
YES -- the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team advanced to Round 16 and then defender Mark McKenzie gathered his teammates at midfield and led them in prayer.
His words were simple but powerful:
"You deserve all the honor and the praise right now. Amen."
What touched my heart even more was learning that this wasn't a one-time event. After every match -- win or lose -- the team gathers to thank God.
They've even welcomed players from opposing teams to join them, demonstrating that Christ is greater than any rivalry. McKenzie has said these moments are about love, togetherness, and remembering that they're blessed simply to have the opportunity to compete.
Now that's a winning attitude!
Can you imagine if we lived that way every day?
Before we celebrated a success --
Before we complained about a disappointment --
Before we hurried on to the next thing --
We simply stopped and said, "Lord, all the glory belongs to You."
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
That's true whether we're playing in the World Cup, volunteering at a food pantry, serving at church, raising grandchildren, or simply loving our neighbors well.
The world celebrates trophies that eventually gather dust.
God celebrates humble hearts that point others to Jesus.
So today, whether you're celebrating a victory or walking through a challenge, take a moment to do what those young athletes did.
Pause.
Bow your heart.
And give God all the honor and praise.
Because the greatest victory isn't winning a championship --
It's living in a way that helps others see Christ. ⚽❤️🙏
Of course, I was hoping Team USA would defeat Belgium last night. The final score wasn't what we had hoped for, and like every loyal fan, I wished the outcome had been different.
But as I watched those remarkable young men play with determination, discipline, and incredible teamwork, I realized something.
Sometimes the greatest victory isn't found on the scoreboard.
It's found in the character of the people wearing the uniform.
What caught my attention wasn't a spectacular goal or an amazing save. It was something that happened after Team USA advanced to the Round of 16.
In that moment, the world saw something bigger than soccer.
YES -- the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team advanced to Round 16 and then defender Mark McKenzie gathered his teammates at midfield and led them in prayer.
His words were simple but powerful:
"You deserve all the honor and the praise right now. Amen."
What touched my heart even more was learning that this wasn't a one-time event. After every match -- win or lose -- the team gathers to thank God.
They've even welcomed players from opposing teams to join them, demonstrating that Christ is greater than any rivalry. McKenzie has said these moments are about love, togetherness, and remembering that they're blessed simply to have the opportunity to compete.
Now that's a winning attitude!
Can you imagine if we lived that way every day?
Before we celebrated a success --
Before we complained about a disappointment --
Before we hurried on to the next thing --
We simply stopped and said, "Lord, all the glory belongs to You."
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
That's true whether we're playing in the World Cup, volunteering at a food pantry, serving at church, raising grandchildren, or simply loving our neighbors well.
The world celebrates trophies that eventually gather dust.
God celebrates humble hearts that point others to Jesus.
So today, whether you're celebrating a victory or walking through a challenge, take a moment to do what those young athletes did.
Pause.
Bow your heart.
And give God all the honor and praise.
Because the greatest victory isn't winning a championship --
It's living in a way that helps others see Christ. ⚽❤️🙏
No comments:
Post a Comment