By David Faust
The legendary football coach Paul Brown had a lasting impact on the game. He coached successful teams in high school and college, and he served as general manager of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Brown took a no-nonsense approach to coaching.
He wore a jacket and tie on the sidelines. He expected high levels of discipline from his players, even urging them to mind their manners in training camp—to eat quietly and keep their elbows off the table.
Despite his conservative reputation, Brown was an innovator who pioneered in the use of playbooks and game films to scout his opponents’ strengths and weaknesses. But one innovation didn’t suit his style at all. Brown didn’t like it when players danced in the end zone after scoring a touchdown. He wanted them to display quiet confidence and dignity. “When you make it to the end zone,” Brown insisted, “act like you have been there before.”
That’s good advice for all of us as we enter a new year full of familiar problems and unknown challenges.
Learning from the Past
We shouldn’t be shocked when hardships beset us. Scripture says, “Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Peter 4:12, New International Version). Throughout history, God’s people have endured pain, mistreatment, and persecution. Our generation isn’t immune.
God might answer prayer with a resounding “yes,” with a disappointing “no,” or he may delay responding for a while. We have witnessed his mercy and grace in the past. If children ask for bread, their parents won’t throw them a stone. The heavenly Father will answer our requests in the right way and at the right time.
We shouldn’t be astounded when temptations and spiritual attacks come along. God’s people have traveled this pathway many times before. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Nor should it startle us when God’s Word touches our hearts and challenges our minds. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), so it should come as no surprise when God uses the sword of the Spirit to perform surgery on our souls.
Countless believers have walked through spiritual deserts. Even when it seems the Lord is distant, he is present in the valleys and on the mountaintops, amid the jolts as well as the joys.
A Fleeting Shadow
Nearly a quarter of the 21st century is already gone, but the swift passing of time shouldn’t catch us off-guard. Scripture compares life to a fleeting shadow (Psalm 144:4), a mist that quickly vanishes (James 4:14), and grass or flowers that wither (1 Peter 1:24). Every generation since Adam has died, and funeral homes will keep doing steady business in 2025. But because Christ is risen indeed, the year ahead presents new opportunities for us to be ambassadors of hope.
So as 2025 begins, let’s follow this wise counsel: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). Whatever happens in 2025, the Lord won’t be surprised. He has been there before. And he will be with us forever.
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
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