Growing up as an athlete, my entire life, I’ve come to learn how important it is to respect the journey. Every year, training for the season began the day after the final game, film study took place on a regular basis and the weight room was never an option. The desire to become stronger, smarter and wiser was preached to us from our coaches from the beginning. The amount of repetitions we endured — enabled us to become the best athletes possible prior to game day.
In the spirit of athletics, I’ve grown to view my faith in a very similar way. The willingness, open-mindedness and courage to get out of my comfort zone so that I may grow closer to the Lord has radically changed the trajectory of my life. However, just like sports, this walk of faith has been a journey. Luckily, I’ve been beyond blessed to have mentors, ministers and leaders who have stretched me to grow deeper in the Christian faith.
One of my favorite human beings and athletes, Tim Tebow, was quoted for saying this about his faith: “I am fortunate to have family members, coaches and teammates around who can help me stay focused on the right things for me to be successful. Seeing how my parents have raised us and provided everything we can possibly need is a comforting feeling. I have been so blessed to have an amazing support group and knowing how passionate they are about God and their children has inspired me.”
Tebow’s quote illustrates that we need people in our lives to help push across the thresholds of life. When we have these intimate relationships with others we can often hear God speaking through them. Small moments that can generate big impacts!
Pastor Dale and I, as a team, constantly pray to God that we bring that same love, encouragement, and passion to each one of you. Going deeper spiritually as a community, investing in the brokenness of our world and leading one another to invest in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Come join us this Sunday as we look to the relationship between Nicodemus (Pharisee) and Jesus!
Compassionately,
Gary Michael