The Running of Roy Regals

On New Years Day, 1929, Georgia Tech was playing California. Late in the second quarter, Roy Regals recovered a fumble for California. In his excitement, he became confused and began running in the wrong direction. After racing 65 yards he was finally tackled by his own player at the California 2 yard line. California attempted to punt from deep in their own end zone, but the kick was blocked and Georgia Tech scored a safety. In the locker room at half time, Roy Regals sat in the corner with his face buried in his hands, crying. The room was silent. The Coach didn’t make his usual halftime speech, but shortly before the team was to take the field for the second half, he said, “The starting team is going back onto the field to begin the second half.” The entire team left the locker room except for Regals, who remained in the corner with his face in his hands. “I can’t do it Coach,” he said. “I can’t play. I ruined the team.” The Coach said, “Get up Regals. The game is only half over. You belong on the field.”

Our spiritual opponent doesn’t want us to know this, but, our game isn’t over yet either. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us that regardless of the mistakes made in the past, we still have the rest of the game to play. God is willing to forgive the mistakes of the first half…and He expects us to do the same with ourselves and with others.