Thought for the Week - 11/7/2021

Dear Friends, 

The England football team have booked themselves a date with destiny having won their semi-final match against Denmark to reach the final of the Euro 2020 Tournament. Not since the World Cup of 1966 has England been in a major football final and all eyes will be on ‘The Three Lions’ as they try to make history and bring home the win. It is reported that three of the England team have a faith in God – Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka who all have referenced the influence of their early lives and the faith that they were brought up in, and which continues to shape their lives today. Together with Chris Powell, a member of the coaching team, there is quite an influence of faith in the England players dressing room. Powell is quoted as saying of his faith, “It gives me a sort of inner-peace, a sort of well-being. I live my life for this way, and that’s because of the Lord and what has happened, and what he has done to save me, and save everyone. It gives me a great joy to know that the Lord is around me at all times.” In the book of Isaiah we read the comforting words that are spoken to the people in captivity, ‘Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you (Isaiah 41:10 GNB). That sense of knowing that God is with us, no matter what, gives us encouragement and hope particularly if we are facing some challenge or trauma in life, to know that we are not alone. The Rogers and Hammerstein song from the musical Carousel, made famous by Gerry and the Pacemakers and adopted as the Liverpool Football Club anthem says, ‘You’ll never walk alone’ and that’s what Jesus tells his followers too. The commission Jesus gives says, Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptise them in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:19-20). However the Euro 2020 final ends, we can always remember that God is with us and will never leave us. ‘Football’s coming home’? Let’s wait and see!

Grace and peace,

Neil

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