In the wake of the Denver loss, many questions about the reality or power of God begin to circulate. Accompanying the questions are attacks on Tebow and on whether or not God was really behind all his wins. After all, if God was helping Tebow, wouldn't the Broncos have won? Surely, there must not be a God, or if there is, there has been nothing divine behind his winning season.
These questions and attacks, though understandable, are significantly short-sighted.
This whole season, many Christians, including myself, have rooted for Tim Tebow. His love for God and others puts many of us to shame. His confidence in God is relentless. He is truly a great sports icon that many people everywhere flock to see and support.
But after confidently claiming that God is helping Tebow win, and then speculating, as I have, about the divine significance of his last game with 316 yards passing, 31.6 average pass, and 31.6 million viewers...what in the world do we do now?
I'd like to remind us of Proverbs 16:33, which says, "The lot is cast upon the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Also, Proverbs 16:9 states, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."
See, there is no theological problem with claiming that Tebow was winning because of God. Although even seemingly random events, like throwing dice or playing football, seem to have no divine involvement, ultimately it is God who decides how things go. However, that claim also necessitates that we give God the credit for the Patriot win (and Denver's subsequent loss) as well.
What throws many Christians for a loop is trying to explain why God wouldn't want Tebow to win. If God led him this far, wouldn't it be more impressive and make God look cooler if Tebow had gone on a 35+ point run in the 4th quarter and won the game? But this speculation is similarly short-sighted. It assumes the following:
What should our attitude be in the aftermath of a Tebow loss? "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God didn't lose last night, despite what the media loves to proclaim.
God won. He always does.
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These questions and attacks, though understandable, are significantly short-sighted.
This whole season, many Christians, including myself, have rooted for Tim Tebow. His love for God and others puts many of us to shame. His confidence in God is relentless. He is truly a great sports icon that many people everywhere flock to see and support.
But after confidently claiming that God is helping Tebow win, and then speculating, as I have, about the divine significance of his last game with 316 yards passing, 31.6 average pass, and 31.6 million viewers...what in the world do we do now?
I'd like to remind us of Proverbs 16:33, which says, "The lot is cast upon the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord." Also, Proverbs 16:9 states, "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."
See, there is no theological problem with claiming that Tebow was winning because of God. Although even seemingly random events, like throwing dice or playing football, seem to have no divine involvement, ultimately it is God who decides how things go. However, that claim also necessitates that we give God the credit for the Patriot win (and Denver's subsequent loss) as well.
What throws many Christians for a loop is trying to explain why God wouldn't want Tebow to win. If God led him this far, wouldn't it be more impressive and make God look cooler if Tebow had gone on a 35+ point run in the 4th quarter and won the game? But this speculation is similarly short-sighted. It assumes the following:
- We know how to give God the glory most effectively, and clearly it must be a Denver win
- If God brought him this far, it is only going to hurt God's reputation and the gospel message if the world doubts his power or existence after a Tebow loss.
- God would accomplish more for his kingdom if Tebow won.
- And the list could go on...
What should our attitude be in the aftermath of a Tebow loss? "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
God didn't lose last night, despite what the media loves to proclaim.
God won. He always does.
Like this post? Please, share it now with others using the buttons below!
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