Recently, while reading Chad Veach’s Faith Forward Future, as I came across his description of what he calls Spoiler Guy, I was reminded of one of my own Spoiler Alert stories, which I will share briefly in the paragraphs to follow. Should you be unfamiliar with the term Spoiler Alert, it is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “a warning that an important detail of the plot development is about to be revealed.” Now, this phrase is much more applicable today due to Internet access and streaming services. No longer do you have to be precise about the day, time, and network in order to watch a favorite program because you have the ability to view it at your convenience. However, there is still something about watching sporting events unfold in real time. Once I know the result, my interest diminishes in the event.

Veach shares, “Most of you are probably like me and find spoilers very frustrating. You don’t want to invest in a movie, TV show, or game if you know what’s going to happen at the end,” but people exist in this world like Spoiler Guy. “The reason Spoiler Guy and all the other spoilers out there ask again is because they can’t help themselves. Even when they’re trying to be good about not ruining last night’s episode or game, they hint at the ending. They make some sort of sly, hidden statement in passing that lets you know what’s going on.” Now, my Spoiler Person, would never willingly ruin anything for anyone ever, like Spoiler Guy; however, on this one Sunday afternoon, this is exactly what she did.

Unlike my friend Nikki, viewing a golf tournament on television is not how I would normally choose to spend a Sunday afternoon, but I admit to being engaged on this particular day because of the scenario. Should one of the golfers endure the pressure and nail a putt, the winner would then be determined by a sudden death playoff. As dad I and sit on the sofa in anticipation, a voice pipes up from the recliner by the window to innocently ask the question, as she reviews her computer screen, during a commercial break, “Why does this say ‘Arnold Palmer’ won the tournament?” With a frustrated glare, I make eye contact with dad, and state, “Oh, no she didn’t! I guess we now know he misses this putt!” No, Spoiler Alert warning, just a casual question from a confused person, not realizing that because the event was being played on the other side of the world, we were watching a delayed broadcast. Spoiler Mom’s regretful, “Oh, no, did I just ruin it?” captured the moment well.

Now, there does exist a circumstance where I am deeply grateful for an undeniable Spoiler Alert because, in this case, I do want to know who the Winner is. The ending is not ruined for me when I am reassured through Scripture that the God who created me and everyone else in this universe, comes out the victor over our enemy. In Know Your Why, Ken Costa offers, “While Christians might not know what is right around the corner, we do know where the world is going. We know that at the end of all things, God will make all things new. We know that Christ’s death has overcome the darkness, and through his life-giving resurrection we wait patiently for his return.”

For me, I have to remember to embrace that although I do have one Spoiler Alert, God is not going to lay out in detail the journey ahead in life for me, even though sometimes I think that’s what I desire. Instead, God provides us with teasers. Veach states, “Spoilers are the worst, but teasers I can get behind. The difference between a teaser and a [spoiler] is that a teaser only gives you a glimpse of the movie you’ll see one day. It whets your appetite with a couple of seconds of an epic battle scene or a close-up of your favorite actor. It gets you pumped with an exciting score and one or two cryptic words of dialogue. It promises a great story without telling you exactly how this great story plays out…God is just like that. I love that he’s a teaser, not a spoiler. He never tells you all that your tomorrow holds but gives you glimpses and promises of your future along the way. This is because God won’t show you what he has for you tomorrow until you’re faithful with what he’s given you today.”

Many of us, especially those of us engaged in a sport profession, have experienced a Spoiler Alert moment, and I would love to hear your stories. Please consider sharing in the comments below.

References:

Costa, K. (2016). Know your why: Finding and fulfilling your calling in life. W Publishing.

Veach, C. (2017). Faith forward future: Moving past your disappointments, delays, and destructive thinking. Nelson Books.