The Praise and Worship Service starts and their hearts are focused on the Lord. Mark, in particular, pours his heart to the Lord.

  He says in his heart, ‘Lord Jesus, if me and Sam are not meant for each other, take my feelings for her away. Nevertheless, Lord, I will thank you in all seasons. I glorify you in all my days, my God.’

  “With a grateful heart

  With a song of praise

  With an outstretched arm

  I will bless Your name

  Thank you Lord

  I just want to thank you Lord

  Thank you Lord

  I just want to thank you Lord

  Thank you Lord”

  After some moments, the Praise and Worship service ceases and Pastor John sneaks in.

  “Good morning, church,” says Pastor John.

  “Good morning, Pastor,” says the congregation.

  “What a wonderful day today.” He pauses then says, “As you all know, our brothers in Christ achieved a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Namely, the Championship Trophy of the CESAFI Basketball Tournament.”

  The congregation applauds and hollers.

  “Please stand up, Mark Mercado, Justin Banderas, Cesar Owens, and our guest Kevin Rebias.”

  The four of them stand from their seats. Pastor John asks them to be in front and they comply.

  At the front, Mark doesn’t make eye contact with anyone. He just looks straight to the floor.

  “These brothers of Christ of ours,” Pastor John continues, “achieved magnificently on the basketball court. I kid you not, they won the trophy with no loss in the Round Robin, the Magic 4, and in the Championship games. Our brothers are unstoppable on the court all because they trust solely in the Lord Jesus.”

  “Amen,” some say.

  “Now before I formally start the sermon, I want to give the mic to the team captain for his testimony.”

  Pastor John gives the mic to Cesar. Cesar stands up straight as he gives his remarks.

  “Good morning, church. I won’t speak too long but all I got to say is that God did it, God did it.”

  “Amen!” The congregation says while showering him with applause.

  “We didn’t expect to win the championship but we strove for that goal. God did miracles for us, and I hope he will do so for you too.” Cesar turns to Pastor and says, “That’s all, Pastor.”

  Cesar hands the mic to Pastor John, and the boys sit back in their chairs.

  “Thank you for that, Cesar. We glorify the Lord for giving the Maaravi Warriors the wonderful victory, don’t you think?”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “Amen!”

  “Speaking of victory,” Pastor John continues. “Let’s go to the Sciptures. Proverbs 21:31.”

  The screen above him shows the verse:

  A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord.

  Proverbs 21:31

  “This is the experience our brothers in the Lord Jesus have experienced yesterday. They may have skills and size and basketball IQ and athleticism BUT the Lord Jesus Christ is with them— all the way through! My brothers and sisters, it’s not hard to imagine that God did it for them. Victory and Eternal Victory come from the Lord Almighty, the God who made the Heavens and the Earth and the seas and everything in them.

  “We may have the best of the best skillset, athleticism, and intellect but the VICTORY… comes from the Lord.”

  Pastor John paces to and fro with subtle silence. He stops short in his tracks and continues his train of thought.

  “Let’s face it… We want victory in our lives but it only comes from the Lord.

  The next slide on the screen appears:

  By you I can crush a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.

  Psalm 18:29

  “With God, we can push through our problems, we can push through our circumstances, nothing can stop us from overcoming our problems when we are with God!”

  “Amen!”

  “Hallelujah!”

  “Praise the Lord!”

  Pastor Mark pauses then says, “Yes. We can do it, we can overcome everything we’re going through when we are with God. So let’s stay in Him if we want to see his miracles and wonders. You’ll be surprised what He will do in your life if you’ll just stay in Him, He will shower you with blessings more than you can count. Just hang on, just hang on. Hang on in His Presence and He’ll give you His peace.

  “Whatever you’re going through right now, He will keep you in His peace. He will help you get through what you’re going through. He will be in you, through His Spirit, in the midst of your circumstances right now. He will be in you through the pain and the joy, through the good and the bad, through the highs and the lows. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

  “And last but not the least, He loves you. Jesus loves you.”

  The slide changes on the screen again:

  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

  Romans 8:38-39

  “Remember that… remember that. As we fight the good fight of faith, remember that God always is and always will be loving us. His love comforts us that He will be with us every season of our lives. And His love encourages us to keep on fighting until he calls us home.

  “The scripture also says that the battle is God’s battle, 2 Chronicles 20:15. When we are fighting the battle of faith, we may see ourselves fighting but behind the scenes, God is fighting on our behalf. Or we may be fighting some circumstances or situations, but God is fighting for us. And believe it or not, He’s winning. When we put our faith in God, we are resting in His promises that He’s faithful even though we may be faithless. Remember, with God all things are possible.”

  Pastor John signals the champions to be on the front. Mark, Cesar, Justin, and Kevin face the congregation and Pastor Mark.

  “Today, we are very glad for these boys,” says Pastor John. “They proved to us and the world that everything’s possible with the Lord Jesus; that if you put your faith in Christ, he shall give you your heart’s desires. So now, let’s pray for our brothers so that even though they are given success, they would still glorify God with their lives. Let’s stretch out our hands to them and pray.”

  The congregation stretches out their hands towards the champions. Everybody closes their eyes as Pastor John starts to pray.

  “Lord Jesus,” Pastor John starts. “Thank you for your children who are before us today. You’ve blessed them mightily, Lord, and have put your favor on them. In the midst of their success, Lord, grant them the grace to glorify you with their lives. So that even though they are being showered by your blessings, your name is still lifted high. Help them to walk in your righteous path, Lord. Guide them. Keep them safe. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”