Alabama, Advent & Hope

Hope. It’s what the first candle of Advent represents. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. We celebrate the birth of Jesus and wait with hope for His return.

But what about the other things we hope for and are waiting for in the meantime? What about the places in our lives where we find it hard to have hope?

Our circumstances can sometimes feel insurmountable. Not to trivialize, but I was reminded of that impossible feeling as I watched the end of the recent Alabama/Auburn game.

There were 43 seconds left on the clock.

Alabama trailed their in-state rival Auburn by four points.

It was the 4th down and they had 31 yards to go to score. This would be Alabama’s last play.

A conference championship was on the line. A College Football Playoff spot lay in the balance.

One play

Realize that teams struggle to convert a 4th and 2, let alone a 4th and 31. Most teams punt on a 4th and 2, but that was not an option here.

Anything short of a touchdown, and the game and season were over.

4th and 31 is pretty much the definition of hopelessness.

Even if you have seen what happened, look again at the video below. Pay close attention to what the commentators, players, and coaches say.

What they say might give us all a roadmap to hope.

Now, let’s look at the quotes in order and see where they lead us.

1. “It was over.”

In other words, it seemed there was no hope. There was no way out of this one. We all have situations like that in our lives. That place where it seems all hope is gone. Maybe it’s a relationship, a prodigal child, an addiction, a financial issue, or a work issue.

2. “There aren’t many plays in the book for 4th and 31.”

You’ve come to the end of your playbook. You’ve tried everything on earth and are at a loss.

Perhaps you can relate to Job when he said, “Where then is my hope— who can see any hope for me?” (Job 17:15)

3. "I pretty much had the losing story already written.”

Oh, how I am guilty of this so many times. I grab the pen from God and write the end of the story. And when I see no hope, the scripts I write in my head are always losing endings. The negative self-talk (or “monkey chatter," as my wife would call it) gets louder and louder in my mind.

4. “I decided to look up and watch and see.”

In the midst of our 4th and 31, we may have exhausted our playbook here on earth and gone as far as we can on our own strength, but maybe it’s time we drop our playbook and look up.

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28)

“Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!" (1 Samuel 12:16)

5. "Believe it or not, we actually practice that play.”

Alabama did not suddenly come up with that winning play or accidentally stumble upon it. No! They practiced it each day at the end of every practice! In a way, you could say that they “practiced hope.”

We need to practice hope as well. It is a muscle that needs exercising; otherwise, it will atrophy and weaken. We are too weak to sustain our personal 4th and 31.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

6. “Alabama found a way to climb out of that grave.”

Thankfully, God does not leave us to find a way out of our circumstances under our own power. If that were the case, we really would have no hope.

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you.” (Romans 6:10)

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead…” (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT)

7. “Thank you!!! Thank you very much!!!”

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Overcoming your 4th and 31 situation may not play out like Alabama’s. There might not be as clear of a victory with a marching band and screaming fans. Even so, Paul instructs us to give thanks in ALL circumstances.

No matter what the final play is, we give thanks.

I know how Alabama’s 4th and 31 turned out. But the one I am personally struggling with right now? I have no clue how this one will turn out. But I am thankful for hope. Hope in the Lord.

You see, earthly hope depends on how hard you wish or how many fingers you cross. Heavenly hope is dependent on the strength of the one you hope in. God.

I’m thankful He is much more potent than my wishes and crossed fingers.

Your story is not entirely written, and neither is mine.

God’s book has no shortage of plays for your 4th and 31.

We would all do well to remember that this first week of Advent.

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