My Case is Different

I am no longer a football addict but I am convinced this story will still be fresh in the mind of many of us that watched that match.

You still remember the historic football match between Nigeria and Brazil in Atlanta 1996?.

It was and is still not news that Brazil is the king of global football. So, Nigeria losing to Brazil in Atlanta was definitely not a big deal.

As predicted though we played out our heart but Gosh!, Brazil dealt with us that night. Till the 77th minutes (about 12 minutes to the end of the game) Brazil was obviously dominating the game. And the score line also confirmed it. Waaoooo, Brazil 3, Nigeria 1.

However, despite Brazil's upper hand with star studded team including names such as Carlos, Rivaldo, Bebeto and Ronaldo, less than 12minutes to the end of the game Nigerians fans right at the main bowl and watching the game behind the screen still felt that we did not deserve such humiliation from the Brazilian boys.

Suddenly, a divine hand in favour of Nigerian team appeared on the field of play. At that time many have conceded defeat, shut down their TV set and some already walked out of the stadium.

The anger that wield up in the boys was obvious  toward the end of the match. Remember I said many had turned off their Television sets, some were shedding tears like baby, while few others hoped and prayed that we would not be further disgraced and humiliated with yet another goal.

But the unimaginable happened in the game. At about 78th minutes Victor Ikepba struck from 20 meters stretch to hit the net for the second goal.

At that instance everything changed beyond the 3:2 score line. The game took a different approach. The tide surprisingly changed. Pressure and  anxiety came upon Brazilian boys. While for us, we were freshly intoxicated with energy, strength and encouragement. For those that watch that match, you will agree with me it appears those boys were on drugs. Hope for the Nigerian players hit the roofs. They became motivated and began to fire shots from every direction. Waaoooo very tough and exciting match! Very difficult to erase from my memory!!

The bombardment from the Nigerian boys eventually paid off. Brazilian defense line completely ruptured and collapsed after the order of the wall of Jericho. Then another miracle at the dot of 90th minute. I can never forget, just before the final whistle, Kanu Nwankwo alias Papilo turned and flipped the ball over Dida and it was another goal, the equalizer.  What a wonderful match. Home and abroad it was jubilation gallow. The unimaginable had happened - Brazil 3, Nigeria 3.

And there was a rule then, you still remember? It was called  “the Golden Goal Rule”. That was the first time to test that rule. The first team to score in the extra time wins the game.

Then came the decisive goal from Papilo in just 3 minutes of the extra time… And that was how the messy game became a message.

And this is where I am going...
That your journey that appeared messed up in 2017 is still loaded with message. So much can still happen with you to crown this year with fat things (Psalm 65:11); to crown it with a bountiful harvest. These last remaining days of the year are more than sufficient to give you a new definition; a naming ceremony can still be conducted for you. Do not loose hope at all. It is too early to give up on your beautiful expectations for year 2017.

It is not over until it is over so the saying goes. All required of you is to:
1. Review the game plan
2. Re-strategize your approach
3. Relaunch the attack.

There is a factor you have never enforced and take serious advantage of. Your GOD factor has not been enforced. It is still passive and dormant as we speak. You can still be mighty in the land just because you serve a MIGHTY GOD.

This journey carries in it the potential to turn in your favour. The table kept turning until it was Esther's turn (Esther 2:15).

Do not hang the boot yet. Do not be discouraged. The  referee who incidentally is your FATHER can never blow the whistle against you. I make bold to say that You are a Winner in the journey of 2017. Failure is not in your nature because it is align to the DNA of your father.

Resist the pull of fatigue regardless of the past disappointments, delayed gratification, failures, discomfort and broken promises......

Keep moving,...
Keep the fire burning,...
Keep the flag flying,....
Keep your hands up,....

You will laugh best because you will laugh last in the mighty name of Jesus. Be confident to say that My Case is Different

You may wish to share.
Warm regards.