“For we live by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
Faith Involves Risk
February 4, 2018, will forever be remembered in the city of Philadelphia as the day the beloved Eagles won their first Super Bowl. Conquering the New England Patriots and the iconic Brady-Belichick dynasty, 41-33, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, will place names like Foles, Pederson, B.G., and Ertz in Philly lore for the rest of the franchise’s history.
However, what non-Eagle fans will recall about that day is the name of a gadget play known simply as “Philly Special.”
The Philly Special was a trick play the Eagles used on fourth down toward the end of the first half . It had the Patriots defenders, and the entire NFL, shaking their heads in disbelief. Who goes for it on fourth down in that situation? Who runs a trick play on the goal line? Who even dares to out-think the greatest coach in NFL history?
Well, Doug Pederson and Nick Foles, that’s who!
The truth is, while the play worked and is now firmly cemented as one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history, it involved tremendous risk. What if it didn’t work? The Eagles would have forfeited points at the end of the half, and most certainly would have given the Patriots momentum to start the second half. Yet, the risk was outweighed by the reward.
This is what walking by faith is like. Faith always contains an element of risk to it. For faith to exist, so must something unseen or unrealized. If it makes perfect sense or is logical, then there is no need for faith. While some may say that walking by faith is irrational, Scripture declares that it is reasonable. While “armchair” believers cry out in doubt and skepticism, those who know the heart of Jesus are aware that the will of His Father and our Father is to trust Him, living by faith and not by sight.
Walking by faith isn’t easy. It most certainly requires some risk-taking. Yet, the reward of pleasing God and following in the footsteps of our Savior is a gift that is worth it — even if it’s fourth down in the Super Bowl!
— Chris Romano, Pastor at Rock Solid Church, Hudson, N.Y.
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