| Mission Statement Bitterne United Reformed Church exists to praise and worship God, to reach out into the community in love and service so the joy of Christ Jesus may be shared. Dear Friends I know it’s a few weeks ago, but on writing, the last home game I attended at St Mary’s Stadium was Southampton v Portsmouth. A local derby that has a lot of history and was hyped up by the media so much in the week preceding the game, the match was policed to the nth degree. In fact, plans were put in place to police this match from May 2025, as soon as Saints were relegated. True fans stick with their team through losses, injuries, and relegation. It’s not just about winning, it’s about belonging, believing, and hoping for redemption. Biblical faith is similar, it’s about trust, endurance and hope even when the outcome isn’t visible. It’s not blind optimism, it’s grounded assurance. ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ Hebrews 11:1 This verse mirrors the mindset of a devoted fan. You cheer for your team not because you see the trophy, but because you believe in the journey. Just like believer’s trust in God’s promises without needing proof in the moment. A fan believes in a comeback even when their team is down 3 – 0 A believer trusts in divine purpose even when life feels chaotic. Just like fans believe their team can win even when they’re losing, you can face life’s setbacks with hope. Whether it’s a tough job search, a strained relationship or personal growth that feels slow – faith means trusting the process even when the scoreboard isn’t in your favour. Football fans are some of the most loyal people on earth. They believe in comebacks, they endure losses and they wear their team’s colours with pride – even when the season is bleak. That kind of devotion mirrors the kind of faith God calls us to live out daily. Biblical faith isn’t just belief – it’s active hope. It’s showing up, trusting God’s promises, and cheering for His goodness even when life feels like it’s losing. It’s praying when answers are delayed, loving when it’s hard and walking forward when the path is unclear. Just like a fan doesn’t need to see the win to believe it’s possible, we don’t need to see the miracle to trust that God is working. Faith is the evidence of what we don’t see – but still know is true. Lord Thank you for the gift of faith – faith that holds on when life feels uncertain, faith that hopes even when the scoreboard says otherwise. Help us to show up with loyalty, to speak life into every situation, and to trust Your promises even when we can’t see the outcome. Let our hearts cheer for Your goodness like fans in the stands – bold, loud, and unshaken. Remind us who we belong to, and give us strength to keep believing, keep loving, and keep walking forward. In Jesus’ name. Amen. In Christian love |