After having gone through a long qualifying process in their own continents, thirty-two national teams are arriving at the football (soccer) world cup in Qatar. They will now compete to find out which one will be the best team on the planet, the champion of champions.
Since its first edition in Uruguay in 1930, with five world titles the Brazilian team is historically the one with best retrospect in this competition. Such recollection could point them as the favourites, but their elimination by the Germans losing 7×1 in the 2014 edition in Brazil, left them hesitant.
The truth is that it doesn’t matter how strong we are, the failures of the past commonly make us fearful to face similar situations in the future. Like to drive after a bad accident, to search for work after being fired, or retake an exam after failing it.
The same happens in our spirituality, our past sins threaten our walk in search for holiness. After having previously fallen into temptation and sinned, we fear the risk of falling again and feel incapable to firmly walk forward.
However, the bible teaches that we don’t take the spiritual journey alone. We do it hand in hand with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who through his Spirit walks side by side with us, giving us direction and strength to continue. Also teaches that our sins have been paid for and erased. The presence of Jesus with us makes all and every previous shadow disappear.
Life’s world championship has already begun, our individual and collective performance is important. We can learn from past defeats, avoid the mistakes made and improve our strategy forward. With Christ, our past failures don’t remain as obstacles to hinder our way but as trampolines to project us forward.
- Which failures of the past threaten your ways today?
- How can Jesus help you to face your shadows of the past?
(Erased sins, Isaiah 43:25 / Triumphant life, 2 Corinthians 2:14).
Commissioner Torben Eliason is the Territorial Commander of the Southern Africa Territory.