The BEST Quartet EVER!

Football fans from a few decades ago definitely would’ve given this title to the “Steel Curtain” (defensive line) of the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers. My dad and uncles would’ve given it to The Statler Brothers. But, believe it or not, there’s an even better one.

I was watching a condensed replay of yesterday’s Washington-Atlanta NFL game and with 12:12 to go in the 3rd Quarter, the former’s quarterback Sam Howell dropped back to throw a screen pass to their (really good, with an even better personal story) starting running back Brian Robinson, Jr. (after winning the College National Champioinship twice at Alabama, he was drafted last year and promptly proceeded to get shot twice during an armed robbery before last season started and not only survived, not only was able to walk, but was back on the field playing pro football just six weeks later).

Just one “problem”: after running forward a few steps as though the ball had been handed off to him, he made a sharp pivot to the right and ran smack-dab into his own Right Guard whom a Falcons defensive lineman was strongly pushing into the backfield, stopping the running back in his tracks for a second or two (the NFL won’t let the video be shown on an outside website but you can watch it on YouTube if desired by clicking here and going to the 6:20 mark of that 12-minute video). I purposely put “problem” in quotes because, as it turned out, that slight delay worked perfectly as it spaced out the defense so as to give the quarterback a clear and easy passing lane, then the running back scampered straight into the end zone for a touchdown which ended up sealing the warmly-welcomed win for Washington.

What a great, real-life illustration of Romans 8:28! Which communicates a crystal clear conclusion: that there are no problems in life, because things which seem  to be such are actually intended by God to accomplish massive good  in our lives. Which is why He rightly commands us not only to give thanks “in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) but to give thanks “FOR everything” (Ephesians 5:20).

Over the years, throughout my entire life, I’ve heard countless preachers and teachers say that God will “work out” all things for our good, for our eternal benefit, but the Bible actually goes even further than that by making clear that the “problem” or “challenge” or “trial” ITSELF is GOOD. Because it’s by and from God Himself, borne of His loving sovereignty for our benefit and building up, if we simply LET IT.

All of this is why He also rightly commands us to “do all things without grumbling or disputing” (i.e., complaining) (Philippians 2:14), which is the other side of the “always give thanks” coin.

Yep, Romans 8:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20 and Philippians 2:14 are by far  the BEST quartet I’ve ever heard!

(The Statler Brothers would be a distant but strong second, here’s why, enjoy!)