January 23, 2015 Don’t Celebrate Too Soon!” Last weekend, the NFL football game was between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks to determine which team would advance to the biggest game of the season… the Super Bowl. Green Bay lead for most of the game and all indicators pointed toward an eminent Green Bay victory. Seattle made a valiant effort in coming from behind, but seemed minutes away from defeat. The TV cameras panned the audience and many of the Green Bay Packer fans and players had already started to celebrate and anticipate victory. But, in the waning seconds and in terrible field position, the Seattle Seahawk’s quarterback threw deep downfield to a receiver who was tightly covered, but managed to make an amazingly acrobatic catch in the end zone… to win the game and advance to the Super Bowl!!! Life is a journey and will be filled with, both, highs and lows. One minute you can be up… and shortly, you can be down. My advice in dealing with these events is to not exaggerate either. As you experience victorious accomplishments in life, it’s easy to soar emotionally, but when the setbacks or defeats happen, there is usually an opportunity to plummet equally as low. I’m not saying one should never celebrate important successes in life like graduations, promotions, awards, ministry milestones, and such goings-on. But, there is a danger in dwelling on “mountain-top” experiences too intensely and for too long. Self-focused celebrations can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Relaxing and basking, excessively, in personal accomplishments can create “blind spots” to eminent threats and important issues that need immediate attention. Victories are great! But, enjoy them... and “keep it moving!” Elijah, the prophet, had an amazing victory on Mount Carmel where God performed a miraculous feat on his behalf and Elijah finished the job by hunting down and destroying what was remaining of the 800 pagan “prophets of the grove.” That had to be an exciting, exhilarating victory that had Elijah on “cloud nine!!” But, shortly after that sensational event, Elijah was running for his life because the wicked queen, Jezebel, had put out a “contract” on him and promised to remove his head from his body!! Poor Elijah… went from being the hunter to being the hunted! So… humbly enjoy your victories with full awareness that the glory belongs to God, but don’t get too caught up in the early celebration. Remain vigilant and stay focused on the task at hand. The Bible says of Satan in Jesus’ wilderness experience… “He left for a season…” Keep your eyes on the prize… the game is not over yet! Michael Gordon
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 13:46:58 +0000
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