What Die-Hard Fans Can Teach Us About Sticking With What Matters

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I want you to picture that friend you know who is the most die-hard sports fan—you know the one. They wear the gear almost daily, their whole family knows to avoid major plans on game day, and they “must watch live” because their cheering really does make a difference in the outcome of the game (or so they say). The fan who, despite any facts or stats, will still bring up reasons why their team is the best and defend them at all costs? You know the friend.

Have you ever asked that friend how many losses it would take for them to turn against their team? Or better yet, what failure by a player, coach, or owner would make them hate the team they grew up loving?

While there have been occasional fan boycotts due to specific situations, the overwhelming response is that “true fans” (as they proudly call themselves) stay through the tough times—and take pride in the fact that they remained faithful through the drought.

When the Cubs won the World Series in 2016, fans literally wept at the gravesites of relatives who didn’t live to see it—after a 108-year drought. Boston Red Sox fans endured the 86-year “Curse of the Bambino” until their long-awaited win in 2004, and rom-coms were made comparing true love to the loyalty of a Red Sox fan. Still not convinced? In the NFL, the Cleveland Browns’ last championship was in 1964. They’re still waiting for a Super Bowl title—and their organization has given out gold medals for loyalty.

We defend what we love in the face of incredible obstacles, adversity, and outright failure. Fans stay committed through coaching changes, roster overhauls, losing seasons, and front-office drama. 

Do we treat our faith in Jesus with the same amount of conviction?



When failure smacks us in the face, do we act like the athletes we admire and get up again—or do we accept defeat?

When our team fumbles the ball (again), we say, “Next year’s our year.” We argue with strangers on the internet, swear the refs are blind, and stand by our squad. But the moment we don’t understand God’s timing, we pull away. We want a Savior—but only if He plays by our rules. We can’t seem to see the “L’s” in life as part of a temporary season.

Fans tailgate in sub-zero temps, paint their faces, and scream until their voices crack—even for a 2–14 team. Yet one unanswered prayer or a dry season, and we stop showing up. The pew grows cold because our hearts did too. We demand wins from a God who’s still writing our playbook.

Sports fans don’t abandon their team over one questionable play call or because management traded a fan favorite. They rant, cry, post memes... but they still wear the jersey. Yet when God removes something—or someone—from our lives, we act like He’s betrayed us. Instead of trusting His eternal strategy, we bench ourselves spiritually… or walk away completely



When did our teams earn more trust than our God?

How is it that we can hold the faith for a championship season, but not for God’s perfect timing?

If you have struggled—or are currently struggling—with your faith, you are not alone. Just like a fan, we will have disappointing seasons. We’ll endure upsetting play calls. We’ll disagree with our coach’s (or leader’s) decisions. But if we can trust a team to turn things around, we can absolutely trust the One who holds the universe to write a beautiful ending.

“...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6)

And if you’ve stayed—through the hard seasons, the silent stretches, the prayers that seemed to echo back empty—can I just say: thank you. Your quiet, stubborn faith honors God more than any stadium chant ever could. You are living proof that faithfulness isn’t about feelings—it’s about finishing. To you, I know God will one day say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Wherever you find yourself—in belief, in doubt, or even in pain—you are not alone. I know you may have questions, wounds, or moments where it feels like God went silent. But what if the story isn't over yet?

Jesus is not a distant figure asking you to perform or prove yourself. He’s the God who stepped into human suffering, who understands betrayal, heartbreak, and loneliness—and still chose love. He gave everything to make a way back to you.

Even if you've walked away, He hasn’t. He’s not waiting for you to “get it together”—He’s simply waiting for you. My prayer is that, today, even in the smallest of ways, you sense a spark of hope. A whisper that maybe... just maybe... He really is real, He really is good, and He really can heal the deepest hurt in your soul.

He’s worth exploring. Because He’s already given everything for you.