A Surprising Bit of Hope

Recently there have been stories flying around in the world of the National Football League about a situation in the Miami Dolphins team. 

It is reported that one member has left the team because of harassment. As the story develops it sounds as though one individual was speaking harsh words about the others background, ethnicity and just general verbal abuse. 

It got to the point where the player who was being abused simply could not handle it any longer-- the evil that was being done to him became a voice that could not be drowned out-- and he was not able to overcome that voice. To put things into perspective this player walked away from hundreds of thousands of dollars rather than be abused any more. 

There are a couple things that go through my mind in hearing these events. First, my heart goes out to that player who was abused. We have all had experiences like this to varying degrees- name calling or just plain meanness thrown our way. 

But the other thing that goes through my mind is the question whether something could have been done- could there have been a different outcome to this story?

Romans 12:21 Has something to offer us here:

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

It sounds like overcoming evil is something that is put on us- that it is my responsibility to make it happen. When we try to do that we fail, just like the abused football player who thought the only way to survive was to leave. 

What God is telling us here is that He provides all that is needed to overcome the evil we experience. He reminds us to stand in him and to draw upon his strength- upon his goodness. 

God is the good that overcomes evil and he invites us to live out that good when evil attacks. To a harsh word we speak a word of blessing. To a lie that is meant to harm we speak a word of truth that heals. To a slur or cutting comment we speak a word of encouragement that builds up. And on and on, in God's strength and goodness. 

It can seem that the abused football player did the only thing that was possible by leaving. But seems like it leaves things feeling hopeless because the evil was never addressed. God tells us that a better way to live is to overcome evil with good. 

Overcoming evil sounds a lot better than than running from it don't you think? 

Lord today, if we find ourselves being attacked  by evil help us to overcome through your goodness. Fill us with it so it will flow out onto everyone we meet. 

And let the world be surprised by how sweet it is to see your goodness at work. 

BT

Pastor Brian Tysdal

Rock of Ages Church

Saskatoon, Sask.