For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false.
Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. – Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)
The recent triumphs of Tottenham FC, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, and Bologna FC are more than just sporting victories. They are powerful reminders of what happens when perseverance meets divine timing. For years, these teams endured ridicule, near-misses, and heartbreaks, only to finally taste the joy of victory. Their stories mirror the biblical principle that endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.
THE WAIT IS NOT IN VAIN
Tottenham fans waited 17 years for a trophy, while Crystal Palace supporters endured 120 years of professional football without a major title. Similarly, the Bible is filled with stories of waiting: Abraham and Sarah waited decades for Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3), Joseph endured betrayal and prison before rising to power (Genesis 41:39-41), and the Israelites wandered 40 years before entering the Promised Land. God’s timing is perfect, and His promises are worth the wait. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
TEARS OF JOY REPLACE TEARS OF SORROW
The emotional scenes at Estadio de San Mamés and Wembley fans weeping, players overcome with joy reflect the Psalmist’s declaration: “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). Just as God turned the mourning of the Israelites into dancing (Psalm 30:11), He can transform our seasons of disappointment into moments of triumph.
BREAKING THE “SPURSY” MENTALITY
Tottenham’s victory shattered their ‘Spursy’ label just as Christ shatters the lies most believers believe about themselves. In Him, we are ‘new creations’ (2 Corinthians 5:17), defined not by past failures but by His victory. Philippians 3:13-14 urges us to “forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead,” pressing on toward God’s calling. The label “Spursy” no longer fits just as the labels “unworthy” or “failure” do not define us in God’s eyes (2 Corinthians 5:17).
CELEBRATING THE UNLIKELY VICTORS
Crystal Palace and Bologna’s triumphs remind us that God often uses the underdogs to display His glory. David, a shepherd boy, defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17), and Gideon’s small army triumphed over the Midianites (Judges 7). When the odds seem stacked against you, remember: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
THE SWEETNESS OF LONG-AWAITED VICTORY
Newcastle’s 70-year drought ending parallels the joy of the Prodigal Son’s return (Luke 15:24) what was lost is now found, what was delayed is now fulfilled. Revelation 21:4 promises a day when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes,” and our earthly struggles will pale in comparison to eternal victory.
YOUR TROPHY IS COMING
If you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. Just as these teams held onto hope, we too can trust that God is working behind the scenes. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Your breakthrough, your “trophy,” is on the way. Keep the faith your full-time whistle of victory is coming!
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Written by Elder James McKeown Anane (PENSA KNUST Bible Study Coordinator)
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