Seeking God’s Grace In The Good Times

CORE PRACTICE #18: Continue to pray together in the good times—that’s often when couples make foolish mistakes.

But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. . . . Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. . . . He did all this so you would never say to yourself, “I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.” Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful. —Deuteronomy 8:11, 14, 17, 18

Lauren

When Tony was coaching, nearly everything in our lives revolved around football. The scheduling of family trips, mealtimes, weekend activities—all were done with his football games and other responsibilities in mind. And when his team was winning, everyone seemed to take these commitments in stride.

Life seemed to go more smoothly during winning streaks too: our routines at home, early morning wake-ups, breakfast and trips to school, the children’s homework assignments, even the weather was better on those days. Or maybe it just seemed that way. Whatever the reason, you may be able to identify with what I’m talking about: When life is generally going well with your family’s health, relationships, and income, everything seems easier to deal with, and everyone has a lighter spirit. All appears well with the world.

When we were with the Indianapolis Colts, several seasons included long winning streaks: We won thirteen in a row in 2005 and nine consecutive games in 2006. Yet those were the very times Tony and I learned we needed to be on guard—and on our knees before God. We thanked Him for the good times and for the things that had come to pass as we had hoped. But we sought continued protection as well. We also prayed as a way to remind ourselves that all the good that was happening was due to God. We needed Him to help guard us against the onset of pride. After all, He deserves the credit, not us.

When things seem to be going well, we can all fall into the trap of thinking it’s because of our own doing. Whether we want to admit it or not, in the good times we tend to become complacent and forget who got us there—God. We have no problem seeking Him, finding Him, and appealing for His help when we are in a pit of despair. But we need to seek His help when we are in the rarified air of good times as well. It’s then we most need to ask for His perspective, not ours, and to remember that He is due our thanks. Then we can use those times of plenty for the good of others and to glorify Him.

Adventure Application: If you were to picture a mountain, would you describe yourself as being at its summit, enjoying fresh air and a spectacular view, or at the base, with your view so obscured by fog that it’s difficult to even see the top? Either way, spend some time seeking God in prayer today. Be sure to thank Him, to appeal to Him for His perspective, and to remember that all you are and have is a result of His graciousness to you.