March Madness has arrived. State and College basketball tournaments have begun and many are finished. In our state (Illinois), the girls' AA tournament just ended. Once again, Naperville Central won the state crown, led by Coach Andy Nussbaum and athlete Candace Parker. Candace tore her ACL last summer and missed many games before Christmas, but since her return, they have gone undefeated all the way to back-to-back state championships. She was the difference-maker for her team. She will be heading to Tennessee to play for Coach Pat Summit next year.

In sports, every team has a difference-maker — that player who makes everyone around them better. If they are not in the game or are unable to play, the team struggles. Who was the difference-maker on your team? An even bigger question is who is the difference-maker on your team, now? Not your athletic team, but your spiritual team. Jesus Christ came to earth to live among us and to become like us so that He could be the Difference-Maker for all who accepted His word and His loving sacrifice on the cross.

People are looking for the one thing that makes the difference in their life. They turn to work, money, possessions, etc. But John 14:6 tells us that there is only ONE thing that can make a true difference in our lives. “I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. NO ONE comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus is the Difference-Maker yesterday, today and forever.

Candace was the savior for her team this year and it paid off with another state crown, but she could not do it alone. Jesus doesn't want you to battle the issues in your life alone, either. Others can come alongside of you to make a difference, but only He can make THE difference in your life. Are you still trying to win on your own? Let the true Difference-Maker into your life and allow Him to take control. Trust me, you will love the outcome!