© Joseph Trombatore

Saints Win Super Bowl.... What's Next?
By: Joseph Trombatore, February 8, 2010 - www.aipressnola.com
American Image Press, Today's Photographer Magazine,  Lewisburg, North Carolina USA

As the Indianapolis Colts were driving late in the 4th quarter the goal to tie the game and possibly send it into overtime, I noticed a text from a Christian friend saying "who dat!"   I had been deeply in the moment of the game and in prayer, being a Christian myself.  Seven minutes had pasted when I return the text with "praying!"  I then spoke to my three children saying, "It's time to get the ball back, now!"  At that moment, Peyton Manning approached the line.  The ball was snapped and seconds later Tracy Porter jumped the route intercepting the ball and proceeding 74 yard for a touchdown thus sealing the first Super Bowl Championship for our New Orleans Saints.

During the run back through the cheering in our home I glanced at the clock and saw the time remaining of 3:16.  My tears began to flow not cheering but praising God.  3:16!  Maybe the most important verse in all God's Word. 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,  that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 NIV

This morning I searched YouTube because I knew there was more.  I was not disappointed!

The interception came at 3:21.  "But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:21 NIV

Tracy Porter crossed the goal for the Touchdown at 3:12.  "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?"  John 3:12 NIV

Wow!  This has been a year of occurrences of Divine proportions.  Interceptions being taken away resulting in touchdowns for us.,  Falling 21 points behind and coming back to win (in Miami where the Super Bowl would be played).  Ten defensive touchdowns.  Missed field goal chip shots that would have sealed losses.  Not to speak of thirteen straight wins and the numerous NFL records broken.  No can convince me that this season was not destiny appointed by God.  A destiny for the good and hope of our city.

So when you celebrate this wonderful time some of us have waited 44 years to experience.  Before you shout 'who dat" and lose control, take the time (to even maybe tear up) and give thanks to God.  Give Him the glory He deserves in this.  He must be included.  He was there too! 

What's next?  "For nothing is impossible with God."  Luke 1:37 NIV