Unlikely Soccer Win on the Wings of Prayer

"All Glory Be To God!" for this testimony I am about to share. Personally, it has encouraged me to know that God listens to prayers and that prayer can make all the difference. Yes, it would be transformational to know and experience God in everyday life, as Dr A R Bernard puts it.

Also, I would like to add that although I do pray regularly, I do not usually receive an inexplicable prayer burden, compulsion, provocation or assignment. And, of course, God would send this spirit of prayer to as many persons as He desires.

However, when such a spirit of prayer comes, I find that it is both a very calm assurance, that surpasses understanding, and a confidence that what is prayed for will come to pass. For example, the prayer for the haze to dissipate from Singapore in an earlier blog post on 22 June 2013.

Well, on the evening of 23 May 2015, I was having dinner at home and glancing at the Malaysian FA Cup final between Kelantan and Singapore on television which my sister-in-law was watching avidly. 

I used to watch soccer games on television regularly but has gotten myself unhooked after countless disappointments with the teams that I fancy and finding that a soccer match which lasts 115 minutes, including half-time, is a time-stealer. In order to stay in the know, occasionally, I would just read the outcome of matches as reported in the newspaper.

Faris Ramli scored for Singapore around the 7th minute accompanied by the shouts and cheers stemming from the neighbouring flats. However, Kelantan was clearly the stronger team and they launched waves after waves of attacks. Singapore defended as best as they could with goalkeeper, Izwan Mahbud, having to pull off many superlative saves.

After dinner I did my share of housework by sweeping the floor and glanced at the ongoing match occasionally, but things were really looking downhill for Singapore. By the by, Kelantan equalised around the 60th minute as can be heard from the television. I did not bother to look as I hate to see the despair of Singapore players and fans alike.

With the floor swept, I then proceeded to take my shower. While showering the spirit of prayer came upon me in the knowledge that with God all things are possible, and I began to pray that Singapore will defend stoutly, that there will be a turnaround and the players will be filled with courage and confidence to play their game and score another goal. But, the win had to be convincing, also, I reckoned. Winning by a goal would not be so convincing.

Then, I received by faith a visualised 3-1 incredible scoreline for Singapore. What a stretch that would be for the vanquishing to emerge as a winner notwithstanding that it would be such a sweet celebration for Singapore's 50th year of independence. 

Shortly after, it happened. I heard shouts and cheers from the neighbourhood. It could only mean that Singapore had scored a second goal against all odds. Not long after, there was another round of triumph overheard. I scrambled for the bathroom door and headed for the living room. There, I saw a replay of Sahil Suhaimi scoring from the penalty spot. Hard to believe, but the weak became strong and triumphed 3-1!

We are to glory only in the LORD God Almighty. With Him, all things are possible. "...and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27; NKJV)."

“You are worthy, O Lord,

To receive glory and honor and power;

For You created all things,

And by Your will they exist and were created.” (Revelation 4:11; NKJV)

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord!: (Psalm 150:6; NKJV)