Blog » So Close!

  • Apr 8th, 2014 at 3:06 PM (CST)
  • By PD
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I don't normally post alot regarding sports. I enjoyed playing basketball and raquetball for years, but now am an officially retired athlete.

I couldn't help but be impressed, however, by the God-honoring message sent out by University of Wisconsin Badger basketball guard Traevon Jackson after his team's heartbreaking loss in the NCAA final four game against Kentucky. After fighting their way through so many games, to lose by one point it would be heart-rending for some young men. However, Traevon has a good perspective, quoting the famous theme, and the conclusion, of Ecclesiastes. From there he vaults into those matters of far more lasting importance, those related to "finishing the race" of faith:

 

Meaningless...everything is meaningless. Now that it is finished, the conclusion of the matter is to fear God and keep His commands. I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace. God is great no matter win or lose, fair or unfair, trial or triumph. Without Him there is nothing, with Him there is everything. A great year by teammates, a great year for the program, a great year of seeing seeing God's glory. I wish the seniors the best of luck as they move forward in life, I'm glad to that this team is not just a team but a family of brothers. Renew our minds Lord and in our weakness your strength prevails #GodisGreat

 

How refreshing to see a young man who proudly declares that his primary task in life is to testify to the good news of God's grace! I like this guy! No matter what the scoreboard shows, he is a winner in Christ! I'll bet Traevon would be quick to point out that we all can be winners in Christ, because of God's Love!