Who Will Win Your Superbowl?

It’s the time of year for the Super Bowl, which means parties, food, commercials and hopefully a good game. This has become a part of our culture. We plan around it and look forward to the experience. It’s always nice if your team is playing in the game, too. There is a crescendo to the event, as companies spend millions for advertisement. The business of the Super Bowl impacts our country. Thousands travel to spot of the game to take in the moments and festivities. This all speaks to the gravitational pull of this game and how it has evolved in America.

I’m just hoping the Colts can win again! Come on now – Go Blue!

But there is a Super Bowl daily in our lives, and in the lives of all people around the world. It doesn’t get fanfare or attention, but it impacts our course and direction of life. It will be directly felt and seen by family, friends and co-workers, as its implications are massive and undeniable.

What’s amazing about this Super Bowl is that we all have to play in it, no one is exempt and no one is immune from its force. Rich, poor, male, female, any ethnicity and status, all are the same on this playing field. There are no favorites or bribing out of it. Yes, this has taken down the mighty and raised up the weak. It has exposed the need for Jesus and the desperation we have for God. When we play in this game, we discover how will-power, exercise and a good diet don’t stand up against it. It requires something beyond ourselves, someone who is greater and more powerful.

Yes, this Super Bowl is a game between our Spirit for God and our soul, which is pulling away from God.

Check out how Paul described it in Galatians 5:17-18.

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.”

Galatians 5:17-18

Notice, “he said these two are fighting each other”. This describes the Super Bowl inside of us daily. Someone is going to win, and our choices determine who. You see, when we pray, fast, go to church, read the bible, embrace community and guard ourselves, our spirit will win against our sinful nature. This is why our choices are huge, because we are either feeding our spirit or our sinful nature.

In fact, our spirit is like a muscle that you exercise. The more you work out, the stronger it becomes. The same is true if we don’t exercise. It becomes weak and malnourished, eventually succumbing to the sinful nature. It’s literally a daily Super Bowl we have on the inside of us. But God has set up for us to win! He’s a good father who empowers us to win this game and rise triumphant!

Be encouraged that God’s Spirit is within you, and “greater is God in you, than anything against you.” His love will not stop flowing to you, as nothing can separate you from His love. Our part is to choose things that strengthen our faith and that muscle we call our spirit.

It’s my hope you will be determined to live a focused life in these areas so that you are prepared to win your Super Bowl. How can we do this?

First, get connected in community of faith. The local church is the hope of the world, and God set it up so we don’t have to do life alone – so don’t be alone. No church is perfect, but we’re not there for perfection, we are there for God to move in our lives and so that we can give back to others. Make a decision to be a part of a church, and then join a team or a life group so that you meet people and gain friends and support.

Second, let God’s word touch you daily. The Word of God is living and powerful. When we read or hear it, something is happening on the inside that is greater than we know. We don’t read the Bible to feel emotional per se, we read it to be established by God in His ways for us. This means we let His word touch us daily whether we feel like it or not, because it’s not based on feelings but rather based on faith.

Lastly, talk to God daily. Prayer is simply communicating where you are to God. It’s not religious or boring, but rather the chance to connect with the living God on a personal level that transcends anything else. I know we don’t always feel like it, or feel anything at all, so it’s easy to wonder if it’s working. But we don’t have to let feelings dictate our actions. He promises that when we ask we receive, when we seek we find and when we knock, the door opens (Matthew 7:7). This is your promise. This is your place and your opportunity to receive answers and strength.

Practicing these three things won’t make life perfect, but it will empower you to win your Super Bowl daily! Your enemy is terrified of you winning, because God has great things for you. His blessing will move through you to others, leaving an impact both far and wide.

It’s my heart that you enjoy the big game but that you also win your personal Super Bowl. Declare who God is in you. I believe in you. With God, nothing is impossible.

Have a great week and the best is yet to come,

PD