Last April, DSU running back Eddie Brown recommitted his life to Jesus. He grew up in the church but had spent his share of time in the world and backsliding. The scripture, "You will know them by their fruit", convicted him. Eddie asked to be baptized to demonstrate his commtiment to Christ publically after Spring practice.
This weekend DSU Football suffered a setback in a wordly sense losing a football game at home for the first time since 2006. John Wooden said, "Your character is revealed more in losing than in winning." In Eddie's case nothing steals the inward joy that he has in Jesus and winning or losing Eddie is the same. Head Coach Al Lavan says, "Katrina is here, now you have to decide what you are going to do. These are the times that will reflect what is in a man's heart."
One of the things I do in addition to my Chaplain responsibilities with the team is serve on the sidelines. Many players request individual prayer before and during the game. I pray throughout the contest on the sidelines, encourage kids, and pick up the gatorade cups around the benches to follow Jesus example of servant leadership. St. Francis said, "Preach the Gospel at all times and sometimes use words."
Eddie Brown stops me frequently in my tracks in pursuit of Gatorade cups with a stack of cups he has picked up. In the midst of "war" he finds time to be a servant leader. Eddie understands what Jesus meant when he said, "The greatest among you will be your servant."
The Hornets are off to a 1-2 start but Eddie Brown's character reflects a countenance only God can provide through "the peace that surpasses all understanding". Eddie wants to win as badly as anyone, plays with all of his heart, speaks words of life into his team and at the end of a humbling loss last night would be found saying things like, "We have work to do, we have to find a way to get better" with no absence of inner joy on his face.
"EB" walks in a divine calm after a "Katrina" runs her course. As believers, we do not sacrifice our passion to win but we believe God is sovereign and his plan is perfect. We stand on the promises of God when things do not go according to our plans: "When I am weak, He is strong." "God has plans to prosper me, not to harm me."
It would be easy to read a newspaper and see all that the Hornets have done wrong. In Eddie's case, he understands that he plays for Christ first and DSU second. The outcome of a game does not impact his eternal security. Losing increases his resolve (purpose, passion, commitment & discipline), heightens his preparation but his joy will not be stolen. The lessons of football are preparing Eddie Brown for life, he is a man that is being built by God for others.
God bless you EB! Please pray for Eddie and his family in Florida.
Make it a great night!
Coach Chambers
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Are you defined by winning?
What kind of fruit are you bearing?
Does losing reveal any weaknesses in your character?
Are you a servant leader?