
Two weeks ago, Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden was benched in favor of Brian Hoyer. Last night, Hoyer got hurt and Weeden came in to replace him. The Browns were behind 10 points. He was soundly booed by the home crowd.
I think we have all been here before. Maybe not in a stadium filled with thousands of people, but at least to the degree that we are engaged with those around us. We have served faithfully for those who decide that you need to be benched. We give our all, only to be replaced by someone who seems to be an upgrade.
Sadly, the majority of people in this world don't care much beyond what we can do for them. Whenever we fail to meet their (at times ridiculous) expectations, they find a way to let us know that we have let them down. It may not be a collective booing from a crowd, but a look of disapproval or a vote of no-confidence will do just the same. Where we put our focus is so important. We have to look for affirmation in the right places in order to define our situation and our self-worth.
Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
People in this world will find fault with us. They may look down on us. They may give up on us. If we look to the right place, heaven (and the company of cheering witnesses), we will not grow weary or lose heart.
In case you're interested in the rest of the story, Brandon Weeden came into the game and threw a 37 yard touchdown pass and brought the Cleveland Browns back from a 10 point deficit, and leading them to a 3-2 record for the first time in 12 long years. When asked by ESPN how he came back (and in response to the booing fans), Weeden said, "DON'T LISTEN TO THE OUTSIDE NOISE. JUST KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND KEEP MOVING." Good advice for us all.
I think we have all been here before. Maybe not in a stadium filled with thousands of people, but at least to the degree that we are engaged with those around us. We have served faithfully for those who decide that you need to be benched. We give our all, only to be replaced by someone who seems to be an upgrade.
Sadly, the majority of people in this world don't care much beyond what we can do for them. Whenever we fail to meet their (at times ridiculous) expectations, they find a way to let us know that we have let them down. It may not be a collective booing from a crowd, but a look of disapproval or a vote of no-confidence will do just the same. Where we put our focus is so important. We have to look for affirmation in the right places in order to define our situation and our self-worth.
Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
People in this world will find fault with us. They may look down on us. They may give up on us. If we look to the right place, heaven (and the company of cheering witnesses), we will not grow weary or lose heart.
In case you're interested in the rest of the story, Brandon Weeden came into the game and threw a 37 yard touchdown pass and brought the Cleveland Browns back from a 10 point deficit, and leading them to a 3-2 record for the first time in 12 long years. When asked by ESPN how he came back (and in response to the booing fans), Weeden said, "DON'T LISTEN TO THE OUTSIDE NOISE. JUST KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND KEEP MOVING." Good advice for us all.