Fourth Quarter Comeback

Have you heard of “a fourth quarter comeback?” Football fans are familiar with the term. It describes how a team turns a seemingly obvious defeat into an astounding victory, at the last minute — in the final quarter of the game. What appeared to be an inevitable “L” became a surprising “W” for the team.

There are times when we need something like this — a kind of fourth quarter comeback. The good news is, God specializes in fourth quarter comebacks! He loves to take seeming defeats and turn them into great victories.

Take a look at one of the promises God gave to His people:

… They [God’s people] will plunder those who planned to plunder them and they will rob those who planned to rob them, says the Sovereign Lord. — Ezekiel 39:10 (NLT)

God gave His people the promise of a fourth quarter comeback! He told them that their potential plunderers would become the plundered, and their potential robbers would become the robbed. He promised them a total turnaround in their situation.

Many times in Scripture we see God turning the tables on Israel’s enemies. When her foes seemed to have the upper hand, about to wrap up the game with victory, God would show up in great power. He came to their aid, giving help, favor and breakthrough to His people. He turned what looked like an impending loss into a surprising victory.

There’s a lesson here for you and me. Don’t give up in the “fourth quarters” of life. Know that the God who loves you, and the God you love and serve specializes in fourth quarter comebacks!

Dale O'Shields

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