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Dear Shiloh Family,

We were ready to play. The scouting reports were in, the plays had been drawn, and the team was prepared for the big game. But life reminded us that it was, in fact, only a game.

After losing a big rivalry game the previous Friday night, our football team was focused on bouncing back with a vengeance. Coaches, athletes, parents, and even communities have tendencies to treat defeats in athletic venues as if points on a scoreboard were life changing digits.

Though I am convinced that nothing happens by chance, and everything plays into God’s plan, the Lord has a way of showing us that some things are more important than playing football.

Upon receiving a text that the game had been canceled and moved to a later date, my knee-jerk reaction was to question the decision makers. However, the news that was soon to follow brought a sobering and humbling air to not only me, but to our entire team. The all-so-important sporting event lost its luster when we were told that two of the Armuchee High School football players (The team we were scheduled to play) were in a car accident and one had lost his life.

I have received that call about former players, and it was horrible. However, I have been associated with several parents who have lost children, and I am convinced that there is nothing worse.

As a team, we are saddened by their loss, and have prayed for the team, community, and family every day. As a coach, I am more sensitive to how I am influencing the young men God has placed in my care. As a parent, my heart aches for the families who have suffered loss. But my heart swells with thankfulness for my children and grandchildren.

Consequently, as a child of the Living God, and a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ, no matter what situation I find myself, I am more inclined to be reminded that there is always someone nearby who is in greater need than me. I am forced to believe that even in dire straits, I am much better than I deserve. I am not there yet, but I am working toward the contentment of which the Apostle Paul spoke;

Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. NKJV
 
Athletic events come and go, and in each one there is a winner and a loser. In most cases, ten years later no one will remember who participated. However, young men and women will never forget influential leaders and teammates.

Churches will go on and on, and staff members will change throughout the years. In fact, I may never be remembered as a good Pastor, but the people to whom I show the love of Jesus, and the folks I lead to the Savior will remember me in eternity.

We aren’t promised another day so it is imperative we prioritize the main things as the main things. A personal relationship with Jesus also reminds us that our current undesirable state is temporary and trivial compared to what He has prepared for us in His eternal home.
 
Romans 8:18-20
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. NKJV

Shiloh, I pray that we become a church body who seeks to love people more than programs, and who are more concerned with names in the pews over numbers in the books.

Please, be in prayer for two of your Deacons, Brother Juan Bloodworth and Brother David Wilson, both of whom are recovering from surgery.

Encouragement comes when we encourage someone who needs it more than us.