A couple of weeks ago I witnessed one of the most exciting football games I have ever seen. The game was between Sandy Creek High School and Forest Park High School.

I was there as a guest of Doug Martin, a new coach at Sandy Creek High School. Forest Park was ahead by one point and Sandy Creek had the ball when the clock ran out I thought.

The officials made some ruling on the last play of the game, so one second was put back on the clock with Sandy Creek still in possession of the ball. Everyone on the field and in the stands was on their toes in ready position. The referees were in the middle of the formation making sure everything went according to the rules, because even though there was only one second back on the clock, once that play begins the game continues until the play is finished.

The center snaps the ball to the quarterback, who drops back with his arm tightly cocked, scanning his receivers. The quarterback then throws a long pass toward one of his players in the end zone. As the ball flies through the air, the hopes of winning remained alive. Sandy Creek players, coaches, and fans did not give up hope until it was obvious that the pass was incomplete.

This game reminds me of the power of hope. As long as there is one second on the clock there is hope.

The sad truth is that too many people give up hope too soon. They give up hope for their marriage and family, for their dreams and goals, for their lives altogether. Many feel so beaten they have given up hope before it is even halftime; others give up hope in the third quarter, and some wait until the last minute to give up hope. That football game reminded me that as long as there is one second on the clock there is hope.

Allow me to paraphrase Ecclesiastes 9:4, "As long as there is life, there is hope even a live dog is better than a dead lion!" There may be only one second on the clock, you may be the underdog, the odds may not be in your favor, and the "professionals" may say it is an impossible situation, but just remember as long as there is life, there is hope.

Don't give up!

Chuck Griffith is pastor of Fayette Assembly of God, 1144 Ga. Highway 92 South in Fayetteville, 770-719-0322.

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