On Friday night, college basketball fans witnessed the biggest most jaw-dropping upset in NCAA Tournament history as the number 16-seeded UMBC knocked off the number 1 seeded Virginia, 74-54.
Exciting as it was to be surprised by UMBC breaking the 135-game and 33-year old losing streak for 16 seeds against number 1 seeds, it was also painful to experience Virginia's shocking loss.
We all love upsets and know a couple of top teams will get beat early in the tournament, but seeing a number 1 seed go down to a 16-seed was totally unexpected - something in sports that wasn’t supposed to happen.
Although we don't think we have to worry about who to pick in the 1 vs. 16 matchups of our brackets (we always plan on the four number 1’s playing in the round of 32), UMBC did the unimaginable by convincingly beating UVA.
So how did this happen...and why did it happen to a good guy like head coach, Tony Bennett (a former UNPACKIN’ it guest)? When will Virginia bounce back from this...and what will it take to no longer be embarrassed by this epic loss?
Bennett has already responded with class, and other coaches have come to his defense, but this very difficult situation continues for him and his program because it wasn't part of their plan.
While UVA assumed they would make a long tournament run (if not win the Championship), we also wrestle with our own plans drastically changing.
How many times have we faced something that wasn't supposed to happen? Like not getting the job we thought we'd get...or not having a baby as soon as we expected to...or not selling our house in time to get the one we really wanted...or not having enough money in the bank to retire early...or not being able to make our marriage work...or not having a loved one in our lives for as long as we hoped.
We all have broken plans and expectations, and find ourselves crying out to God for answers. Often questions swirl around in our minds as we wonder what God is doing, why He won't eliminate our struggles, and when He's going to break His silence.
When we face this kind of pain and discouragement, we can find hope in Psalm 13:1-6 as David cries out with his own questions:
“O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever?
How long will You look the other way?
How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart every day?
How long will my enemy have the upper hand?
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!
Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, 'We have defeated him!'
Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.
But I trust in Your unfailing love.
I will rejoice because You have rescued me.
I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.”
As we ask the Lord our own questions about the “16th seed we lost to,” let’s remember to cling to the words, “But I trust...” Out of His love, God rescues us through Jesus and provides us salvation through Him. That's the hope we have now and for eternity.
Today, let's be reminded that even when our plans and expectationsare shattered, we can still rejoice and praise God because He is trustworthy and good.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m filled with how and why questions about the way some things in my life have turned out. Despite my plans changing, help me to trust in Your unfailing love and rejoice in the salvation You’ve given me. I know You are good and I know You will comfort me in my distress. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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