I’ll likely be leaving this year, and yet I feel more passionately than ever that I care for the well-being of Cleveland, Ohio.  Still trying to overcome the stigmas of “The Mistake on the Lake” and “Burning River”, it strikes me that Cleveland is on the brink of renewal.  I don’t mean economic revival, because, quite frankly, I don’t see that happening here for quite some time.  The renewal I’m thinking about it the kind that REALLY changes lives, a spiritual renewal.  This renewal has even been prophesied, and it seems like just the kind of thing that God would design for His divine purposes.

Now, in order that this renewal to happen, we have work to do.  We’ve got to get praying for Cleveland.  Certainly, innumerable people have been praying for Cleveland for decades upon decades, but I think that a more concerted effort of focused prayer for renewal in Cleveland is in order, and on a grand scale.  I’m thinking of numerous groups of prayer warriors, from numerous churches, praying for Cleveland and its numerous facets… leaders, residents, employees, visitors, and SPORTS TEAMS???

Yes, I think we ought to be praying for the Cleveland Cavaliers.  I think we ought to be praying for LeBron James.  LeBron is clearly a person of significant influence, and for the most part, he seems to have his head on straight.  Occasionally you’ll hear him give thanks to the Lord for his God-given talents.  He keeps his nose clean and stays away from trouble and controversy.  I have a slight problem with the whole “King” thing, although I don’t think he asked for that moniker.  I think we ought to pray for him (and his elbow).  I pray that LeBron will embrace his high-profile circumstance and use it to give glory to God’s majestic name.

A championship would be such a blessing for Cleveland, although perhaps not in the way you might think.  I would like to see a championship in Cleveland not merely because it makes rooting for Cleveland sports more fun, but rather it’ll allow us to get over our wallowing in self pity.  Maybe it’ll even help us to recognize the renewal that’s unfolding in this city.

The name of a blog I check from time to time summarizes the condition we’ve become accustomed to in enduring Cleveland sports… “Waiting For Next Year“.  Isn’t that what we’re always doing here in Cleveland?  Let’s get past this incessant waiting for next year and focus on the moment we’re in.  Let’s give thanks for the blessings we’ve been given keep our eyes open for opportunities to glorify God in the now.  Finally, if we want to look to the future, lets consider only the coming of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.  And while we have our sights set on the return of the real King, I think it’d be alright if we ask him to bless the Cavaliers and grant us a championship!