God Reigns—Even in the Fourth Quarter

Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

I. God Reigns Over All Things—Even the Hard Days and Hard Plays
Athletes understand pressure. You train hard. You prepare. But games don’t always go a planned. Injuries happen. You lose a starting spot. You get benched. Sometimes, life feels like you’re losing 28–3 in the fourth quarter.

But Romans 8:28 tells us something powerful. It starts with these words: “And we know…”

We know—not guess, not hope. It’s confidence. It's an assurance. Why? Because it’s grounded in God’s unchanging character.

“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” --Psalm 103:19

He’s not pacing the sidelines wondering what’s next. He’s in control—even when it feels like everything’s falling apart.

II. Not All Things Are Good—But God Works Through All Things
Paul also says in Romans 8, “All things work together for good…”

All things means All things! That includes everything—wins, losses, pain, fatigue, failure. God doesn’t say all things are good. He says He works all things for good.

Think of a strength workout. The pain isn’t pleasant. You don’t love the soreness. But that breakdown builds strength.

In the same way, God uses every moment—even our lowest—to build something in us we can’t yet see... or to help others see.

“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” --Genesis 50:20
(Joseph, after being sold into slavery and imprisoned for years.)

What others mean to destroy you—God will use to develop you.

III. God’s Promise Is For Those Who Love Him
This isn’t a blanket promise for everyone. It’s “to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

You may say, “I’m not sure I love God enough.” But remember: “We love Him because He first loved us.” --1 John 4:19

Our love isn’t what earns this promise—it’s the response to His love. If you’ve received Jesus, you’re part of His team. This promise is yours.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life…” --John 10:27–28

You may feel like the benchwarmer of the faith, but if you belong to Him, you’re secure in His plan.

IV. Faith Walks On When Feelings Fade
Let’s be honest—there are days you don’t feel God’s presence. You miss the shot. You drop the pass. You strike out. You get cut from the starting line up. You question everything.

But this is where faith comes in. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” --2 Corinthians 5:7

Like an athlete trusting the playbook even when the scoreboard looks ugly, we trust God’s Word over our emotions.

Imagine a quarterback calling a play in the huddle. His teammates might not understand why he’s calling it on 4th down—but they trust the coach’s plan and the quarterback's arm. That’s faith. That’s how we’re called to live. We just need to run the route.

V. Jesus Has Already Won the Victory
In John 16:33, Jesus said: “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus didn’t say you might face pressure—He said you will. But the promise is: He has already overcome.

It’s like confidently walking onto the field already knowing the final score. The pressure’s real, but the outcome’s settled. Jesus beat sin. Jesus beat death. Jesus is undefeated.

“Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” --1 Corinthians 15:57

Some of you might be trying to earn your way to heaven like trying to earn a spot on the starting line up. But salvation isn’t based on performance. It’s based on God’s grace.
    •    We’ve all sinned and fallen short. (Romans 3:23)
    •    Sin brings death. (Romans 6:23)
    •    But God gave His Son, Jesus, to rescue you... to take your place. (Romans 5:8)
    •    If you believe in Him, you’ll be saved. (Romans 10:9)

You can’t save yourself. Jesus already made the way.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” --Romans 10:13

You don’t have to clean yourself up first. Just come. Respond to His call. Trust Him. Let Him reign in your life—not just on Sundays, but in the locker room, in practice, in every part of you.

The Coach Who Sees the Whole Field
God is like the coach in the press box—He sees the whole field. While you’re stuck on the sideline wondering why the last play failed, He sees how it fits into the big picture.

You don’t have to understand every play. You just have to trust the One calling them.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You that You reign over every detail of our lives. Help us to trust You—not just in the wins, but in the losses. Not just when we’re strong, but when we’re broken. Strengthen our faith. Make us bold to follow You no matter what the scoreboard says. Lord, for those who’ve never trusted You, may today be the day they give You the ball and let You lead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Shan Smith
Heart of the Bible Series

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