"Where is your God now, Steffes?" by Gary Steffes
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:23)
“Where is your God now Steffes?”
There were three minutes left in the game against our rival, the Wichita Thunder. We were losing 3-1 and making a final push to tie the game. I was crashing the net trying to score while one of their players, a veteran tough guy, defended me.
I knew this opposing player well. Though I never played on his team, I played against him dozens of times throughout my career. I respected him, for he was gifted, strong, and tough as nails—not the guy you want to drop the gloves with unless you’re really prepared.
As we battled to the net, he chirped, “Where is your God now Steffes? Where is your God now?” Obviously referring to the score (we were losing 3-1), this was his effort to get under my skin.
There were three minutes left in the game against our rival, the Wichita Thunder. We were losing 3-1 and making a final push to tie the game. I was crashing the net trying to score while one of their players, a veteran tough guy, defended me.
I knew this opposing player well. Though I never played on his team, I played against him dozens of times throughout my career. I respected him, for he was gifted, strong, and tough as nails—not the guy you want to drop the gloves with unless you’re really prepared.
As we battled to the net, he chirped, “Where is your God now Steffes? Where is your God now?” Obviously referring to the score (we were losing 3-1), this was his effort to get under my skin.
His comment fired me up. I was certainly not immune to opposing players trying to rattle me off my game, but rarely did they ever bring my faith and my God. I wanted to defend the Lord and fight!
Thankfully, God strengthened me control my emotions. I stayed silent and skated away back to the bench. As I stepped onto the bench I prayed, “You heard him, Lord. You handle it.”
In the next two minutes, our team scored two goals and sent the game to overtime. Then, we won in overtime.
Thankfully, God strengthened me control my emotions. I stayed silent and skated away back to the bench. As I stepped onto the bench I prayed, “You heard him, Lord. You handle it.”
In the next two minutes, our team scored two goals and sent the game to overtime. Then, we won in overtime.
I wanted so badly to shout across the ice after the game, “There He is! That’s my God right there!” Again, I am thankful the Lord strengthened me to hold my tongue. I took a knee after the game and smiled so big. “Lord, thank you! Win or lose I know you are always with me. But that was AWESOME!”
God with us
This Christmas, we celebrate the extraordinary truth that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, literally came, took on flesh and dwelt among us. He is Immanuel—God with us.
What does this have to do with us as Competitors?
What does this have to do with us as Competitors?
It changes everything!
- Because God is with us, we have Hope. We are never alone in a trial, stuck in sin, powerless to insecurity, or defined by our performance. We have hope beyond this life and eternal purpose.
- Because God is with us, we have Peace. We are not slaves to fear and anxiety. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
- Because God is with us, we have Joy. No circumstance has the power to control us or steal our joy. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
- Because God is with us, we have Love. Coaches and GMs may want us only if we play well. God loves us unconditionally and came for us while we were yet sinners. We are loved, wanted, pursued, chosen, drawn, and lavished with mercy and grace regardless of performance.
“God with us” gives us purpose in every circumstance and courage to overcome every fear.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (NKJV)
Joshua 1:9
"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (NLT)
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (NIV)
Hebrews 13:5-6
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (NKJV)
Be encouraged, Competitors! The presence of Immanuel brings freedom, confidence, mental toughness, eternal purpose and increased passion, resilience, and determination.
When we know God is with us, everything changes.
Merry Christmas!!
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. (NKJV)
Joshua 1:9
"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (NLT)
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (NIV)
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (NIV)
Hebrews 13:5-6
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (NKJV)
Be encouraged, Competitors! The presence of Immanuel brings freedom, confidence, mental toughness, eternal purpose and increased passion, resilience, and determination.
When we know God is with us, everything changes.
Merry Christmas!!
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