“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2)

It was a tense time. For over a hundred years, these loyal followers had seen periodic glimmers of hope. But their optimism over the short-term had frequently led to disappointment over the long haul.  Through their many years of discouragement, they have tried to be faithful. They have displayed their confidence by continuing to support the endeavors of those who could provide signs of encouragement. They knew that one day the world would know them for who they were. Finally, the hour came when they would be delivered. Their long-awaited drought would soon end with a revival that no one now living had ever before witnessed. And so, it was on an early November day in 2016 that the curse they had known for over a century would soon be lifted. Once again coming close to defeat, they looked upward and prayed with all their might that those whom they had followed for so long would now receive their crown and be known as . . . the World Series Champions of Baseball. With one final infield ground ball hit to the third baseman who slipped and nearly made an error toss to first base – the Chicago Cubs rejoiced with praise like they had not been able to do for 108 very long years. The curse had, in fact, been lifted.

It happens each October when the Boys of Summer pray that they will be blessed to be part of the post- season. As baseball season comes to an end, the weekly gridiron clashes have already established team rankings. In just a few short months, the Super Bowl will be the talk of the town. Between both is another fierce battle at least every four years. It’s a fight for power like no other; one that in many ways is even more brutal than colliding with the catcher at home plate or being the quarterback who gets sacked before he ever has a chance to execute his play.  It’s the vicious game of politics, and it can become downright ugly at times.  If we are walking with God, we consider what role we should play in these endeavors. At times, when we look at those who are seeking leadership and examine all that is wrong in our nation – we wonder what it will take to bring even a slight amount of healing to a world that certainly seems to have lost its way. So, we again look upward and pray that God will provide for the curse that likewise permeates our society be lifted in a timeframe we’d be blessed to witness.

We might ask if God answers the prayers of the faithful as they are raised for favorite sports teams and political candidates.  Consider how He must feel about the priorities we have set as we spend millions of dollars for seats in sports stadiums, as well as on advertising campaigns for those seeking government leadership positions.  Imagine the good these same resources would do for those who are hungry, seeking shelter following a natural disaster, or suffering from a disease they would not have acquired had they only received a proper vaccination. I am confident that God always hears the prayers of His people, but I cannot help but wonder if He responds more to His own creation than those of our making.  The Apostle Paul provides good guidance. “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

So, ponder this. Rather than praying for your favorite sports team to be the victor, God may be more sensitive to the prayer that those who are playing or serving as spectators are spared injury. Certainly vote your conscience in an election, but despite the outcome – offer prayers of respect for those in positions of leadership whom God has given authority over us (Romans 13:1).  Whether they happen to be of our political persuasion or not, let us pray that they will surround themselves with good advisers so that we might live in a stable society where we can worship freely. Let us pray that they will seek wise counsel in order that “peaceful and quiet lives” will flourish, while hate and wars will be averted whenever possible.  Let us pray for the right things with the hope that God will turn the hearts of kings (Proverbs 21:1) from games of fame and power to a passion of love for everyday people and their future.

REFLECTION: In what ways might you be able to refocus your prayers on people in need of God’s direction? How might you convince others that winners of contests have little relevance to our Heavenly Father?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 12, 2016.  COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.