Right out of the gate: I am not a huge football fan. Here in America, football is such a fun event; and while I don’t get most of what is going on, I still enjoy the football parties, and how people come together.
This week, one headline concerning the National Football League (NFL) caught my eye. 29 year old Andrew Luck, all-star quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, retired out of the blue after 7 seasons of football. After having multiple injuries to his abdomen, kidneys, and concussions among other things, he just couldn’t continue. As he said in one press conference, “It’s taken my joy away from the game.”
While not all of us play football, I think that all of us can relate on some level. Life is like an ocean; sometimes, it’s smooth sailing, and other times, we get dragged under by the riptide. When the storms of life are raging, it makes us want to throw in the towel.
Guys, I just want to say this: It’s okay to not be okay. I commend Andrew Luck for, after trying, realizing that continuing to play football would further hurt his body and psyche (even if other players and fans did not understand). Sometimes, we feel pressured to continue on and “show the world” that we’re alright. However, there is no shame in accepting that one is fallible and in need of help.
We need other people! We need others to pick us up—and lift us high to Jesus! I’ve had to learn that the hard way recently, but let me tell you: community, especially Godly community, is crucial.
I only pray that Luck knows Jesus, and that he has a team of people around him that will be there for him during this hugely transitional time. As Ecclesiastes 4 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NIV).
During this time, may Luck find that Jesus is his faithful Savior and friend. After all, Christ is truly the friend that we all need.
Do you know Jesus?
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
(John 15:13, NIV)
Learn about who Jesus is, and just how much He loves and cares about you, here.
Please pray for (find the prayer sheet here)…
- Andrew Luck, that he would come to know Jesus if he has not already.
- That he would have Godly community around him.
- For the Chibok girls and Leah Sharibu.
ISAIAH 62 PRAYER MINISTRY 