Facing “our” Giants

I’ve been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan since the 70’s. I’ve watched them win and lose Super Bowls. Through the ups and downs, I have never changed teams. I have jerseys, banners, flags, a “terrible towel”…basically black and yellow everything. My children are following in my footsteps with their own assortment of Steeler “gear”. Every Sunday during football season it is clear who our favorite team is based on how we dress, talk and act. What we believe about the Steelers on the inside can easily be seen on the outside during football season. Loving Jesus is no different. In fact, the more committed we are to learning the Word on the inside, the more we show our love for others on the outside… and in turn, our love for God.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

This week’s review is on the movie “Facing the Giants”, another gem from Sherwood Pictures released in 2006. This is a story about a football coach, the “giants” in his life and how giving praise to God regardless of the outcome is paramount.

The story begins with Grant Taylor, a failing high school football coach in his 6th losing season at Shiloh Christian High School. We quickly learn that his “giants” are his fears, both on and off the field. At home, things are breaking down… his stove, his car, even his faith in God’s ability to give him and his wife a child. On the field, his leading scorer transferred to another school, he lost his first 3 games, and the booster club wants to replace him. After getting bad news from the doctor, it all becomes too much. He questions what God is doing and his role as a football coach. Finally, he turns to God for help and learns that he must build a life based on the Word, giving God the glory in everything he does…even coaching football.

This movie will resonate on many levels… financial struggles, not being able to have a child, having people lose faith in you, and even losing faith in yourself. In the end, you will cheer for the Shiloh Eagles not for WHAT they accomplish, but for HOW they accomplish it and WHO they give the credit to. For when we give God the glory and live in the Word, our actions will clearly reflect to everyone our love for Him.

“With God, all things are possible” -Matthew 19:26

Issue 4