November 15, 2019 – Click here to listen
We’ve all seen the dark side of many celebrities and their antics. It’s refreshing to see one who is among the elite in his field speak out for the Lord. I came across this article in Charisma news this morning and couldn’t have agreed more.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles — who was named Super Bowl MVP in 2018 — broke his collarbone just 10 snaps into his first game of the 2019 season. This week, he returns to the field. In a press conference, Foles says God taught him an important spiritual lesson through the injury.
“At the end of the day, I was like, ‘God, if this is the journey you want me to go on, I’m going to glorify you in every action, good or bad,'” Foles says. “And you know, I still could have joy in an injury. People will hear that and say that’s crazy, but it’s like, when you believe in Jesus and you go out there and you play, that changes your heart. You only understand it when that purpose is in your life. Just like when I hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, the reason I’m smiling is my faith was in Christ, and that moment I realized I didn’t need that trophy to define who I was because I was already in Christ. That’s my message when I play. Same thing when I get injured.”
He also criticized the prosperity gospel during his remarks. “I know that’s a sermon in itself, but that’s how I go through life,” Foles says. “The good Lord’s been there too — it’s not always about prosperity. I don’t believe in the prosperity gospel. I believe, if you read the Word of God, and you understand it, there’s trials along the way, but they equip your heart to be who you are.”
Foles is unashamed of his Christian faith and has spoken publicly about it on many occasions. Foles has previously said he plans to become a pastor after he retires from football.
Even if you lay on a bed of roses you will feel a thorn or two, or more. Prosperity and tribulation are intrinsically bound together like bacon and eggs and biscuits and gravy, Those guys who preach otherwise know better. Check out Hebrews 12:6 – “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
Don’t resent the fact that God is shaping your character through trials. He loves you just as His own Son and we all know how He suffered.
Finally, you might ask how corrupt and wicked people who drip evil from every pore seemingly escape the chastening of the Lord, (at least for now),. Carefully read the verse above and the one that follows. Pay particular attention to these words. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.”
Revelation 3:19
Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
Have a great weekend and go to church this Sunday!