The Pastor's Pen
by Rev. Jack D. Cohen

4^th Down, 26 Yards to Go'

Christian Football - Pastor's Pen Anyone who knows me, knows I am a complete sports fanatic and when it comes to football, I am Philadelphia Eagle fan — green through and through. Even though I spent another year saying, "Well, we've always got next year," I began wondering how often we continue to do that in areas of life and in our relationship with God. During the NFC Divisional playoff game with the season on the line, the Eagles needed 26 yards to get a first down and to continue their season, and what do you know first down! After the game, constantly people were saying, "You gotta believe!"

Several times in life we are left with nothing else but the option where we've "gotta believe," and I believe it is in those "4^th and 26 yards to go" situations when we learn how important it is for us to "Believe" in what God can do through Jesus Christ. Whether someone we love and care deeply for dies suddenly, or if we are experiencing trials in our marriage or our children are struggling to find their way in the world, we have numerous "4^th & 26 situations."

Far too often we believe for the moment in order to get us through, but are we believing day in and day out as the Bible reveals to us: "^11bfor I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11b-13)

I believe our true victory comes through by not letting those circumstances ever bring doubt that God can! The Israelites in the Old Testament were joyous at being freed from Egyptian captivity; however, they doubted that God had given them the Promised Land and their doubt caused them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years! (Book of Exodus) The disciples hid in fear and doubt in a locked room after Jesus' death and after Mary Magdalene told them she had seen Jesus! (John 20) They did not believe that God could do things they could not even begin to imagine. It was their fear and their limits by the physical surroundings that caused them to doubt.

From what I have experienced in my life and as a pastor, it is in those times when the church and its people are in a "4^th & 26" situation that God moves most powerfully and visibly. Just think how our churches and lives would be forever changed, if we not only called out to God in desperation, but we lived lives daily trusting in Jesus in "the easy to handle" situations of life.

Yes, as I sat in Lincoln Financial Field as the seconds ticked away on our year to go to the Super Bowl (or at least that's what we thought), I saw the shirts of people saying "4^th and 26 — This is Our Year," I realized that for some, their victory came in overcoming the Packers; yet, they forgot there was another team - the Panthers.

When we overcome the hurdles of "4^th and 26", we can enjoy a small victory but recognize there is another obstacle to our goal of Christ-centered living, right in front of us. When it comes down to it, the only sure thing in all areas of life is that in Jesus "You Just Gotta' Believe !"

Shalom & Agape (Peace & Love),

Jack D. Cohen, Pastor

The Pastor's Pen by Rev. Jack D. Cohen

4th Down, 26 Yards to Go'

Christian Football - NFC -Pastor's Pen

The Pastor's Pen
by Rev. Jack D. Cohen

4^th Down, 26 Yards to Go'