When The Game Stopped Cold | What Clemson vs. Syracuse Teaches Us About Waiting On God
When the Game Stops: Learning Patience in Life’s Delays
It was supposed to be just another Saturday evening filled with the roar of the crowd, the bright stadium lights, and the intensity of college football. Clemson fans gathered with high hopes, Syracuse faithful braced themselves for the challenge, and the players were ready to leave everything on the field. But then the unexpected happened—a weather delay.
Thunderstorms rolled in, halting the game, forcing everyone to wait. For more than an hour, fans sat in the stands or huddled in concourses, restless and uncertain when the game would resume. The athletes, who had prepared for this moment with all their strength and strategy, now had to sit in locker rooms, their adrenaline halted, their rhythm disrupted. Coaches had to encourage their players to stay focused even as the storm raged outside.
In that delay, something very human surfaced: frustration, restlessness, and the struggle to simply wait.
And isn’t that often our story with life? We are running hard, full of plans, ready to press forward—and then HaShem allows a pause, a storm, or an interruption. It feels like wasted time. But in His Word, we see that waiting is never wasted.
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The Beauty of Delays
We live in a culture that treasures speed. Fast results, instant responses, two-day shipping. Yet, the Kingdom of God doesn’t operate on Amazon’s timetable—it runs on heaven’s.
Just like the Clemson and Syracuse players had to learn to stay composed during their unexpected pause, we too are called to cultivate patience when our lives are interrupted.
Yeshua Himself spoke to this in the Gospel of John:
> “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Waiting during storms—literal or figurative—reminds us that He has already overcome. The delay isn’t the end; it’s part of the story.
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Waiting Strengthens Us
In the Psalms, David wrote:
> “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)
Notice how waiting is tied to strength. It’s not a passive act—it’s an active trusting. Just as players needed to stay stretched, hydrated, and mentally ready during the delay, our hearts need preparation in times when God seems to press pause. Waiting shapes us, strengthens us, and prepares us for what’s coming next.
When we remember that delays are not denials, our perspective shifts. What feels like lost time may actually be training time.
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God’s Timing is Always Perfect
Isaiah gives us one of the most encouraging promises about patience:
> “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
The game eventually resumed. Players returned to the field, fans filled the stands with energy, and the story continued. What looked like a disruption was only a delay.
In our lives, the same is true. What looks like a detour may actually be the safest route. What feels like a storm holding us back may be HaShem’s way of protecting us, positioning us, and preparing us for greater things ahead.
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Patience as a Witness
Proverbs reminds us:
> “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11)
When the world sees us respond to delays—not with panic or frustration, but with peace and trust—they see the light of Messiah in us.
Think about the fans at the stadium. Some grew restless. Some cheered through the rain. Some complained. Some encouraged. Our response during delays can either point people toward despair or toward hope.
As disciples of Yeshua, every delay is an opportunity to testify to His faithfulness.
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Walking Together Through Life’s Pauses
Dear friend, maybe you are in a “weather delay” right now. Perhaps you’re waiting on healing, provision, reconciliation, or clarity. The storm clouds have rolled in, and you’re wondering when the game of life will resume.
Take courage—HaShem has not forgotten you. Yeshua’s blood has already secured the victory. This pause is not punishment—it may be the very place where your strength is renewed, your faith deepened, and your testimony sharpened.
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An Invitation to Journey Together
Here at this little corner of the internet, we walk together as a community of believers in Yeshua, learning to trust, wait, and encourage one another. If this message spoke to your heart, would you consider walking with us in one of these ways?
Pray: Cover this ministry and the people who read it with prayer, asking HaShem to strengthen us in every season.
Share: If someone you know is in a delay, send them this post—it may be the encouragement they need today.
Encourage: Leave a comment, share a story, or send a word of blessing. We are stronger together.
Give: If you feel led, you can support this work so that more encouragement can reach more people.
No pressure, no demands—just an open invitation to be part of a family that longs to glorify our Father through Yeshua the Messiah.
May your heart find rest in the waiting, strength in the storm, and joy when the game resumes.
Shalom and blessings, in Yeshua’s name.
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