This was it. Troy couldn't believe it! The stadium was filled to capacity. There were ten minutes left before kickoff. Okay, Troy, relax. It's just the final game. He took a deep breath and turned to his teammates.

"Okay, guys. This is it. I just want to tell you to do your best and enjoy yourself. If we win, we praise God and if we lose, we praise God. Would anyone like to pray before we go?" Troy said.

Ned offered to pray and after the prayer, they went to the field.

_________________________

Jenny was apprehensive about all this. She knew what she was doing was wrong, it was obvious enough. She really liked Troy and didn't want to do anything to hurt him but she needed that money very badly. Okay, pulling the fire alarm was not the best idea but it worked and sent all the boys running outside. Jenny knew she had to do this very quickly. She tiptoed into the locker room and quickly scanned the room, frantically searching for Troy's bag. She easily found it .

When she took his bag, she smelt his cologne. Inhaling it, she imagine him being close to her, close enough to wrap his arms around her. She heard the faint sound of male voices which were becoming louder. The boys must be back! Focus, Jenny, focus. Jenny found the sneakers just in time and left without being noticed.

***********************

"Where are my sneakers?" Troy asked, wildly searching through his bag.

"I don't know", Jordan replied.

"I need them! Ugh! They were right here!" Troy said in frustration.

"Don't you have an extra pair?" Jordan asked.

"No."

"Here. You can have mine. I have an extra pair", Jordan said and handed over his sneakers to Troy.

"Thanks."

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just that those guys are really tough and I feel like I'm going to make a complete fool of myself and let the team down. That's what I'm afraid of."

"Troy, don't worry. Just give it your best and let God do the rest. Isn't that what you told us?"

"Yeah, but I feel like I'm not giving it my best. That's why we're not scoring any goals."

"You are giving it your best. You're the most hardworking person I've seen."

"Thanks, man. That really means a lot."

"Hey, I'm just telling you the truth."

Troy was still doubtful. Those sneakers were lucky. He had had them since seventh grade. Weren't the sneakers what had brought him to the finals?

"Do you trust in me, or do you trust in those shoes?" a still small voice in Troy's heart spoke to him.

Troy knew it was God speaking to him. Those shoes were temporary but God is eternal. Now all he had to do was trust in him.