*On New Year’s Day, 1929, Georgia Tech played the University of California in the Rose Bowl.  The center for Cal was a player named Roy Riegels.

The game was a defensive battle with neither team finding any advantage until, late in the second quarter, Tech fumbled.  Roy Riegels scooped up the fumble and began heading to the end zone. 

The problem was that somehow Roy had become confused and started running toward the wrong end zone.  Finally, one of his teammates overtook him and tackled Roy just before he scored for the opposition.  Roy was inconsolable.

Cal was forced to punt and, wouldn’t you know it, Tech blocked the kick and scored a safety as the half ended.  The shocked California players headed for their dressing room amid the hoots and hollers of the jubilant Georgia Tech fans.

Once there, they took their assigned places on the benches in the center of the room – all except Roy who went to a corner and sank down with his head in his hands.

If you have played football, you know that a coach usually has a lot to say to his team during halftime.  That day, Coach Nibs Price was quiet.  No doubt he was trying to decide what to do with Roy.

When the timekeeper came in and announced there were three minutes before the second-half kickoff, Coach Price looked at his team and said, “Men, the same team that started the first half will start the second half.”

The players got up and started for the field, all but Roy.  He didn’t move.  The coach looked back and called to him.  The big center still didn’t move.

Coach Price then went over to where Riegels sat and said, “Roy, didn’t you hear me?  The same team that started the first half will start the second half.”

Riegels finally looked up, his cheeks shining with tears said, “Coach, I can’t do it.  I’ve ruined you.  I’ve ruined Cal.  I’ve ruined myself.  How can I face that crowd?”

Then Coach Price reached out and put his hand on the boy’s shoulder.  “Roy,” he said, “get up and go on out there.”  Then he added, “The game is only half over.”

Roy got up and went out and played.  Oh, how he played!  In fact, players on both teams later agreed that they had never seen a man play like Roy Riegels did in that second half.

 Lord Jesus has come to you and He puts His arm around your shoulders and says"

"My child the game is not yet over. Get up. Run.. and start again.. "

YOU MAY WELL HAVE MESSED UP IN THE FIRST HALF, BUT THE ONE WHO CALLED YOU IS NOT ONLY WILLING TO FORGIVE YOU –  GET UP AND GO ON.  THE GAME IS ONLY HALF OVER.

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time...Jonah 3:1 

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