One of my favorite Vince Lombardi’s quote is”Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” However, if Vince’s team, the Green Bay Packers, did not respond to the vision he cast, Super Bowls would have been lost and his fame erased from history. In a flash, when success is not achieved, songs of praise and promises often turn toward doubt and in football cries for FIRE the coach escalate.
At the pinnacle of the Egyptian Empire, a new king forget what Joseph had done to save their citizens from 7 years of famine, Exodus 1:8-10. Thus, 400 years of slavery ensued. Once finally freed, the Jews witnessed of one the greatest miracles ever recorded, Psalm 106:9-11. A spontaneous celebration of singing praises to God followed, inspiring a new devout belief. Nonetheless, as time widdled away, promises of faith faded from the memories of those who saw the Red Sea part in two.
Not much has changed since the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years. People still experience a roller coaster of emotions, drawing near to God, then falling away. Perhaps, there is a lesson from the past, one which involves clinging to the promises of God. Despite what you may endure, fight through or see, God’s faithfulness never ceases, Psalm 106:8. Since the Lord does not let go, press on to sing songs of praise like the apostle Paul in Acts 16:26, until the power of the Holy Spirit breaks through any walls of doubt that remain.
by Jay Mankus
