Michael Vick, Quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, is my favorite sports figure. I put him above some of my other top athletes e.g. Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Tim Tebow, Troy Polamalu, Yuna Kim, Roger Federer, Usain Bolt. No one, and most certainly not the media, will ever forget the sins that led to his 18 month sentence in prison and filing for bankruptcy. In simple words, Vick simply REALLY messed up his life almost beyond the point of redemption. His public image, money and prospect of a career in the NFL were all gone. But as he sat in prison, something clicked.
In Michael Vick's own words, "I wanted a chance to redeem myself," he said. "Pre-incarceration it was all about me. When I got to prison, I realized I couldn't do it anymore. The one thing I could rely on was my faith in God."Some may say he was simply sorry for getting caught doing the wrong thing. Others may speculate this is all a publicity stunt. But I really think he is being transparent and sincere when he speaks about starting life anew walking alongside God. But I do think this is a very important and poignant example for all of us, and certainly in my own life. God works in mysterious ways, and though I am sure we are and should be held accountable for the decisions that alter the course of our lives, everything happens according to the plan of God.
I do believe God has been working through Michael Vick. He broke him when Vick deemed himself invincible, and in times of despair Vick restored his relationship with God. More importantly, it is through Vick that many people out there may witness the transformation of one of the most hated characters in public history to one of the most inspiring born again Christian. I do believe that Vick has let go and let God take care of the rest, and that speaks very profoundly to me. For God is the God of mercies and redemption.
Though it is hard to allow God lead our lives in the midst of a skeptic nation, I pray that we may be people of faith and trust in the promises that God has for us in spite of life circumstances and tribulations.
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile. - Jeremiah 29:11-14
26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:26Most importantly, however, we should know that this story of redemption is not all about finding a prosperous materialistic life through the power of God, because living with God does not automatically equate being wealthy. He is not a genie that grants wishes when we pray to him. Rather, when we give glory to God, we gain a lot more spiritually and there is joy and peace that God has promised to bring to all of us.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33By the way, if anyone is interested, Vick made a big time come back, got into the Pro-Bowl this year and is taking his team to the NFL playoffs. Praise God.
No comments:
Post a Comment