Inconsistent.

I absolutely love this time of year. Sure, the change of weather is nice….but I really love football season. I really enjoy watching games that spotlight teams from across the country….whether I know anything about them or not. 

Since Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa as the football coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, we (Alabama fans) have gotten pretty spoiled. We are VERY used to winning. Better yet….we are VERY used to dominating. 

This year, we find ourselves in a debacle because that domination has not made itself known on a consistent basis. Take, for example, today’s game against Arkansas. The team started out “sleepy.” They came alive and became dominant for a sliver of time. Then the “sleepy” team returned. I wasn’t on the field playing…..I was in my living room watching. Maybe yelling at the tv a time or two. Or three. I know what potential these guys have. I’ve seen it at times! I know what strong coaches they have. I’ve seen the impact of their coaching for years! Tonight, though, we are frustrated with the win because of the inconsistency.

Maybe you clicked to read this because you, too, few that way about this game or this team or another game/team you watched today. But the real reason I am writing tonight is because that team on the field represents me at times, too. 

I know who the Lord calls me to be.

Sometimes, I’m inconsistent.

I know He calls me to consider others better than myself.

Sometimes, I’m inconsistent.

I know the right thing to do – and I choose the complete opposite.

Sometimes, I’m inconsistent.

I know He calls me to forgive people who wrong me – but holding on to unforgiveness “feels”right.

Sometimes, I’m inconsistent. 

I know He tells me to bear fruit that represents Him – no matter where I am.

Sometimes, I’m inconsistent. 

These 18-22 year old guys are busting their tails every day to prepare to give their best on game day. They know what they need to do and they know what they need to NOT do. They come into the game with the mindset that they’ll give their best, play their best, make all the right decisions, and respond in the right way. But, sometimes……they are inconsistent. 

Thank God for another chance….another day….to get back in the game…..and to keep pressing on to continue to grow more an more like Him every day. 

I have counted myself out at times due to my inconsistencies.

Others have probably counted me out because of my inconsistencies. 

Heaven knows I have unfairly counted some people out because of their inconsistencies.

Thank goodness He has never thrown in the towel on any of us when we’ve missed the mark of what we could – and should – be.

Let’s help each other stay in the game! Let’s cheer one another on as we run this race. We need Jesus – and we need each other! #BetterTogether

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬