Does God Play Favorites?

This question has been on my mind this season as my beloved Hoosiers approach the biggest game in school history: the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19.

I know exactly who I’m rooting for, but what about the Almighty? Does God actually care about a football game? Now, logically, I know our salvation doesn’t hinge on a third-down conversion. But the Bible says God knows “when I sit and when I rise” (Psalm 139:2)—and since I’ve been doing a lot of jumping out of my seat lately, I’m pretty sure the news of this epic season has reached the heavenly realms.

Surely the headlines surrounding our faith-filled, Heisman-winning quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, have been heard. He cannot step to a live microphone without thanking the “Big Guy upstairs.” Before he even mentions the game, his first words out of his mouth are: “I give all the glory to God!” It makes you wonder: Is this miraculous season a sign of divine favor?

In search of the answer, I decided to do some digging into the word “favor.” First up: Mary, the “highly favored one.” (Luke 1:28) In Greek, that’s Charitoo, meaning to be "endued with special honor." It stems from charis—the word for grace.

Then I checked the Old Testament. Noah “found favor in the eyes of the Lord.” (Genesis 6:8) The Hebrew word there is chen, meaning “grace” or “pleasing." We see it again with Moses (Exodus 33:17), and even with Joseph, who managed to find chen while stuck in a dark prison cell. (Genesis 39:21)

Throughout Scripture grace and favor are used interchangeably—and it’s not only limited to these biblical figures. God showers it on countless other characters. But, I noticed a theme: God’s favor isn't a trophy for winning; it’s a gift for His redemptive purpose. You can’t earn it with a touchdown, and you can't lose it with a fumble.

So, does God play favorites? Absolutely. And everyone is invited to the team. We all become the "favored ones" through the greatest trade deal in history: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Whether the Hoosiers clinch the national championship in Miami or not, God’s playbook is already written, and His plan prevails. This season has been a blessing—not just for the wins, but for the excitement around our team and the chance to reconnect with college friends from over 40 years ago.

For that, I—and our amazing quarterback—“Give all the glory to God!”

Onward to Miami!

Ringing in the New Year with a Rose Bowl victory and my sorority sisters! 🌹 IU takes down Alabama!