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John 17:20-26 “A Hope and a Prayer”

The Ohio State Buckeyes had a miracle season in 2002-2003 when they went undefeated in all their regular season games.  However, what made the season unique was the shear margin of victory in some of the games, often nail-biting to the finish.  One such finish occurred when they played the Purdue Boilermakers.  Trailing late in the fourth quarter, on fourth down and forever to the end zone, Buckeye quarterback Craig Krenzel lofted a hope and a prayer into seemingly nowhere.  While the Buckeye fans were praying that the ball would be caught by someone friendly to finish the game off, the Purdue fans were praying that it would be dropped and the #1 nationally ranked Buckeyes would fall to their gladiators on the field.  In the end, the ball floated in the hands of wide out Michael Jenkins in the end zone, a miracle of sorts.  The Buckeyes had completed a forty yard-plus Hail Mary for a touchdown and secured the continuation of a Cinderella season.

With the longest recorded prayer in the Bible, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and for all believers.  What Jesus prayed was a hope for future.  A time in which the body of Christ would be united (21), that all may believe (21), that we may all see His glory (24).  What Jesus prays for here has come into truth despite strong opposition and persecution throughout history.  The body of Christ has united many times over, many believe, and we can see His glory spiritually.

What the message is here is that even against all odds, all things are possible under God.  What seemingly may be an obstacle in the present may prove to be the defining factor in life.  A hope and a prayer sometimes becomes the defining light of our souls.  What seems to be the impossible, make possible not just for yourself but for all to know.  So take a moment and reflect on your life.  Is there anything that you feel cannot be accomplished because it is against all odds?  Just remember that there are no odds in the Kingdom of heaven, only endless possibilities.

An obstacle in the present may prove to be the
defining factor later in life.

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