Just the other day I told Pastor Jack that I had recently referred to him as the “Peyton Manning” of Foursquare. Peyton is the all-pro quarterback for the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts and was named the most valuable player in the 2007 Super Bowl. As I shared this thought with the leaders, I said: 1) Peyton is always the best-prepared player on the field. No one studies the game, the opponents or the game plan like Peyton; and we all agreed that Pastor Jack “brings it” at game time. 2) Peyton is arguably the most gifted player in his position—he is strong, athletic and “delivers it.” While Pastor Jack’s athletic days may be in the “back nine” status … you could hardly debate the grace and extraordinary skills that the Lord has given him. 3) When Peyton approaches the line of scrimmage, no matter what play he has called in the huddle, you can expect him to call an “audible,” (a last minute adjustment to the play). Pastor Jack is also adept at changing the “play” when such adjustment is necessary! As I related this to Pastor Jack, he chuckled and said that the comparison was very creative; I think he liked it. At least the key to my office door still worked this morning!
Have you ever had the Lord call an “audible” on you? You thought the play was set, you anticipated what the “next” season would hold, and then everything was rearranged. One of the things that you realize about someone who is good at calling audibles is the gift of being able to discern the present moment and making a call that leverages everything towards your favor and catches your opponent off guard. Not only have I come to value that about Pastor Jack, but I’ve come to recognize those times when God says, “not now or not this way.” Leave the play calling up to the Lord, after all… He’s got “zillons” of years of experience, He knows your opponent and He knows the future! You go, Lord!
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)
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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor
