"I jump into a sand pit for a living"
Learning from Jeremiah
I recently read the account of the call of Jeremiah, who was a faithful servant of God for 40 years when Babylon was attacking Israel. While Jeremiah had a wonderful career as a prophet, but it wasn’t always like that. His first encounter with God went like this:The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 1: 4-8)
God’s initial comments are mind-blowing: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart”. As Christians we believe in God the creator of everything. We are not alive by chance. God knows us and has set us apart. For many of us, we have been set apart with a sporting talent and given the chance to compete at the highest level – for his glory.
Sometimes we feel inadequate for the task God has called us to. I can tell you that is exactly how I feel when I turn up at a Diamond League Athletics meeting! That is where God’s next promise comes in – “Do not be afraid for I am with you and will rescue you”. God has called us to serve him in the world of sport but he has not sent us alone. He comes with us!
There are challenges which will face you in your life and your sports career but never forget that the God who called you, knows you and will go with you.