International
06 September 07
He'll Keep His Word!
Liverpool's Steven Gerrard has taken part in training for England ahead
of Saturday’s Euro 2008 game with Israel. England have not ruled out
giving the midfielder - who has a broken toe - an injection, though
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is against giving him a jab. "We're leaving
it as late as possible but we want Steven on the field and we want him
ready to play," said McClaren. We will liaise with Liverpool and we will
do nothing to put the player at risk, but we will also go a lot on how
Steven feels and what he wants."
McClaren is desperate for Gerard to play, with England currently fourth
in the Group E qualifying table and targeting victories over Israel and
Russia to boost their hopes of winning the group. He insisted he would
not do anything that would have a long-term negative effect on Gerrard,
but his main concern at the moment is beating Israel. And the England
boss said there were plenty of precedents for giving him a jab. "You
look and in some cases, if there's no great risk, then fine," said the
England coach. "John Terry and Frank Lampard had broken toes in
pre-season and were taking injections. I have known it at club level
where it would be just too painful to play (without the injection) but
there's no risk of further injury if you have one."
I’ve no reason to doubt Steve McLaren or Rafa Benitez’s integrity. Yet
as any serious player follows this debate you will recall many times
when you’ve been promised things by the coach when they really needed
you, and later left with the bitter question ‘how much did they really
care about me?’
We have seen in these last weeks that because of the work of Jesus
Christ, God promises those who join his family that he will meet all
their needs, quenching their spiritual thirst, giving them the
nourishment they need for life and the joy. Today we are reminded that
we needn’t doubt, because it is God who has made the promise.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised
to David. 4 See I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and
commander of the peoples. 5 Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD
your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor."
Isaiah 55:3-5
It’s safe to trust God’s promises. God cared enough to send a descendant
of David called Jesus into the world to suffer and die for your
rebellion and to rescue you from an eternity separated from God, which
the Bible calls Hell. What’s more, he promises that Jesus would nourish
our souls and bring us the joy of his presence on a daily basis in this
life.
You can trust Him. Read Isaiah 55:1-2 again. Put your faith in these
promises now; act on them immediately for today. You have the perfect
coach who gave His life for you. He will deliver on His promises, so
step out in faith NOW!
Graham
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