This past summer, the mighty Cubs finished the regular season 14-2 and secured the #1 seed in the playoffs (not the real Cubs, my men’s softball team). A great season considering we expected to end up eighth or ninth out of seventeen teams. Unfortunately we failed. Not even an appearance in the championship game of the playoffs (how did that happen). I guess the season was not as successful as I originally thought. Or was it?
Reading through the story of Joseph has helped me remember how to properly succeed. Genesis 39:23 reads,
“The warden paid not attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.”
Really? Think about that for a moment. The writer includes this line just after Joseph was thrown into prison. Successful in whatever he did? How does getting thrown in jail equate to success? Imagine what Joseph must have been thinking…
“Successful in whatever I do? Negative. Getting falsely accused, fired, and thrown into prison is not success. Don’t tell me the Lord is with me and giving me success in whatever I do. You must have me confused with someone else. Things weren’t all that good before I arrived here either. My brothers hated me and sold me as a slave. Nice. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll pass on this type of “success”. I’d like to be proven innocent and rehired by Potiphar (with an apology). Where’s my lawyer?”
God does not look at the things man looks at. God does not define success the way man does. Even though the mighty Cubs didn’t win the championship, we were still extremely successful. 14-2 is an awesome record. A team does not have to be the Champion in order to be successful (something the rest of the sports world would benefit from learning). If God is involved, anything can equal success including being an outcast at home, getting thrown into a pit and sold into slavery (by your own brothers), being falsely accused and imprisoned, and being forgotten by those you have helped. By the way, God’s definition of success can involve some good things as well (it’s not all bad).
Keep up your 100 day reading!
Pastor Scott
P.S. Parents, follow along with your kids here
Scott has been developing an amazing team of coaches and sports options for kids and adults. From soccer to flag football, from cheerleading to summer camps, Legacy Sports provides a place to learn what it means to be a team and work together. Scott teaches that our focus in sports should be challenging ourselves, playing with respect and honor, character is more than winning, play for God’s glory and more.