ROLIM lost 72-38 Against JCODC

ROLIM was once again playing another elite team in the league, JCODC. With an undefeated record, ROLIM is in hopes to put up JCODC’s first lost and break their winning streak. However, ROLIM fell short and lost with the score of 38-72.

Before the game co-captain of the game Mark Roque shared a brief testimony about his unfortunate experience on the previous game. He shared 1 Peter 1:13; “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming,” elaborating about self-control, preparation, and sportsmanship. His personal testimony about the lessons he learned from the previous game was very touching, with hopes that the team will learn from his testimony. Mark also brought up Philippians 4:13; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” encouraging the team that we can do anything we desire as a team with God who strengthens us.

This game was by far one of the most lopsided and unfair game played yet. Every time the referee blows the whistle is always against ROLIM whether it would be a foul, 3-sec in the key, or out-of-bounds. What’s not fair was the other team hardly got any fouls. It seemed as if the referees were in favor of the other team to win. ROLIM felt discouraged, feeling as if the referees are cheating. Despite everything else, ROLIM continued to play their best, knowing that even if they lose this game there is always another game.

I found this game very frustrating and upsetting. How do you continue to play when it seems like everyone is against you? After the game I reflected upon our lost.  The lesson that I learned from this game is in life things are not always fair it might go in your favor or  against you. But it is up to you on how you look at the situation. You can take the negative and turn them into something positive. In the game, the referees only saw the game from one perspective, but God saw everything. Patience is also important in an unfair game. In Psalm 37: 7-9 it says; “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper- it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.”

This verse spoke to me after encountering it, as it was applicable in both this game and the week before. God is working in your life; you don’t have to be angry at the people that do harm against you for God will take care of them. All you have to do is just be patient and trust in him for He will act on it. Be patient and you’ll pull through.
“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” Romans 12:12

The ROLIM basketball team has three games left in their schedule. With a current record of 1-3, ROLIM is in hopes to add a few more wins and make a push to the playoffs. It is a long season, which means there will be a lot more things to learn, grow as a team, and time to get better.

As I mentioned earlier, each game is a stepping-stone. We will take small or big steps together as a team and no matter what, continue to put God as the center and focus of the team.