The Captain In Our Field

Autumn in the field, Elmwood Road, Hancock.

 “In every situation, no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thessalonians 5:18, Amplified

In times like these, it is good to remember that scripture doesn’t say to be thankful “for” all things but “in” them.

Because while many things in our world are upside down and chaotic...

“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty.”

Still.

He is not some quarterback in the stands watching the game unfold,

Wondering if the players will ever get it right as the game seems to get out of control.

In a type-and-shadow sort of way, He is like, well, the way running back Damien Harris describes Patriots quarterback and captain Mac Jones:

"He's a great leader, he's a great player, he's an incredibly hard worker and he's an even better friend. So, whenever you take all of those attributes and you put them into one person, it's easy to see why so many people gravitate towards him, and why so many people want to be around him and want to follow him.”

And better than that, even (of course!) because our God is the faithful, 24/7 unseen Captain on our daily field in this crazy world,

From the rising of the sun to its setting.
Our Captain of our Salvation is unfazed by wind and cold and storm...and headlines.

His decisions are always perfect and unwavering.
And He often calls amazing audibles, and plays that are not in our playbook and that don’t make sense
Until at just the right time, they do.

Even if we don't realize it until we look back later.

And they always will...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Even in the midst of things, we can be thankful for our Captain in our field because of these promises and so many more:

“You shall call His name Emmanuel, which means God with us.”

“I will never leave you or forsake you.”

“Lo, I AM with you always…

“Jesus...the same yesterday today and forever.”

“God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin.”

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary.”

Mac Jones is terrific (and so is Bailey Zappe)

But there is no Captain like our Captain

Which means no matter how nuts this life or this world gets, we can always grab ahold of the Hope that is never wishful thinking

And follow His lead 

And give thanks that He is never watching from the stands.