My oldest son Josh played offensive line on his football team when he was younger. Solid and strong, Josh’s job on the line was to hold the defensive line back long enough for the quarterback to do his job. The offensive line isn’t the most glamorous job on the field, but when they don’t do their job well, everyone is quick to see. Normally, these steadfast men hold firm, protecting their guy.
Sitting at the practices night after night, I noticed a common issue among these novice players on the field. They often stopped blocking too soon. Shouts of “Block ‘til the whistle blows!” filled the sweaty September night, and time and time again the tired players lined back up and tried again.
The boys knew what they were supposed to do, but often gave up when they thought the play was over. Sometimes they gave up because holding back a powerful defensive player was tiring. Unfortunately, the play wasn’t over until the coach or referee blew the whistle. Until that whistle blew, anything could happen.
The parallel to our prayer lives is astounding. Too often, I have given up praying about a concern, believing the play to be over. Perhaps I think God answered “no” when I don’t see an answer in my timeline. Sometimes I see things with human eyes, and give up too soon. I wonder how many times we’ve stopped praying just shy of experiencing healing, freedom from addiction or salvation in someone we love. I’m thankful my family and I never stopped praying about my dad’s salvation. He came to Christ two weeks before he died.
Just as my son learned to block until the whistle blows, may we be encouraged to pray until the trumpet blows, revealing that Jesus has returned to earth. In other words – never give up!
In His Love,
Glynnis
www.glynniswhitwer.com
This is so encouraging, Glynnis! And beautifully written. Thank you.