“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” — Romans 5:5 (NKJV)

>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<

It was the second week of AAU tournaments for my middle son’s basketball team. He had three games scheduled for that day. With my husband coaching at a track meet two hours away, we had to divide and conquer. I knew it would be a long day with the tournament scheduled to end a little before dinner time.

I was already planning on exhaustion. I would still need to go pick up my youngest son from my parent’s house, figure out something for dinner, and get some things done around the house. When the first game ended early, I was surprised. I thought maybe we would finish the tournament earlier than expected. I mentioned it to the moms I was sitting with but they shook their heads doubtfully. No matter, I was going to hope for it anyway.

Our team lost the first game. The second game got delayed after a player in the game before ours got sick and threw up on the court. One of the moms turned to me to comment that we definitely wouldn’t get done early now.

I still held on to hope, but for a reason that might seem strange. As I sat on the bleachers, I thought, shouldn’t we as God’s children live with an expectant hope? I know that applies in a spiritual sense, but to me it seems like that spiritual muscle must be developed somehow. What better way to do it than in the ordinary moments of life?

Game 2 came. Our team lost again. I was concerned if we lost the next game our boys would get discouraged. No telling how many sporting events I’ve been at over the years praying for favor for my sons and their teams, but recently I was convicted by that at my youngest son’s YMCA game.

How often have I been focused more on winning than on the souls of those around me? It changed my perspective and prayers. I don’t know how these things work in the Heavenly realms, but now my prayers are more like, “Thy will be done. Please don’t let us grow weary in well doing. Help us to honor You. Please save those who are lost.”

I’m not saying my blood pressure still doesn’t bump up as I sit in the bleachers. It did in Game 3. It was anyone’s game. With less than two minutes to go, my son got a critical steal. The seconds ticked down. The other team had to start fouling.

The only problem was that it was 10 fouls before you were in the bonus. The last 20 seconds took forever. Foul. In-bounds pass. Foul. In-bounds pass. Over and over. Finally, we got to the line. Our player missed two. We got the ball back. Foul again. This time my son went to the line. He wanted the ball — 2-for-2. Those shots sealed the team’s win.

Those moms were right. We didn’t finish up early, but my hope was not disappointed. You see, Mr. Nonchalant (aka my middle son), went missing for a few moments after the game. I was concerned. When he finally came up, he calmly explained he was being interviewed. Apparently, he had been named player of the game.

It got me thinking: Sometimes we hope for things, but things may not always turn out like we expect. What we must hold onto is the fact that God is good, so we can trust He is doing something better and it will be worth the wait. That joy I had for my son and the joy of seeing God reminding me of His goodness, it fueled me through the evening.

I saw Romans 5:5 (above) in action. God’s hope did not disappoint. His love was poured out to overflowing — so much so I had write it down. Kind of like keeping a spiritual stats book of the Lord’s goodness: He shoots, He scores!

— Rachel Gibbons

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more devotionals and stories where sports and faith connect <<

>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<

If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com