You may have heard of Nick Foles. He is a former Super Bowl MVP who is now with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is coming off of an injury and is finally ready to play, having missed virtually the entire first half of the season. In the past he has been humbly outspoken about his Christian faith, and he is apparently planning to enter the pastorate after his playing career is over.
In the video above, Foles offers such a beautiful expression of faith in Jesus. Foles shows that the life of a Christian is not a constant experience of receiving whatever we want. Instead the Christian’s life is a journey where we understand that Jesus is sovereign, so we go along with the ride as He causes providence to work for our good. “Through many trials we enter the kingdom of heaven,” (Ac. 14:22). Foles is so clear-headed about the journey, and it is inspiring and refreshing.
It amazes me how many clear-headed evangelical Christians there are in the NFL. It seems like every week you hear a testimony from an NFL starter about God’s goodness toward them, and how they want to give him the glory. At the very least, these men have a sense of reality with God, and they live in it. I’m not sure why I’m so amazed by this. In my experience, a stressful life is a radical means of grace because it drives the individual to constant prayer, which changes us as much as it works effectually for the things we request. And I’m sure that a constant dance with the dangers of football on up to the professional level drive countless men (and their families) to constant prayer. So maybe it makes sense that so many of these men are so strong and clear in their faith. They live a life of danger and therefore, prayer. And one thing crystal clear from Scripture is that God works effectively through the prayers of His people. He's near to all of those who call on Him (Ps. 145:18).
Foles reminds me here of the Apostle Paul when he was in Athens speaking in the city square (Ac. 17). Like Paul uses the opportunity to engage with the cultural sensibilities of the time, showing how they only find resolution in Jesus, Foles does the same thing. Contrary to the reporter's assumption, he was not afraid of the backup quarterback’s success in his absence. Rather Foles’ identity is in being beloved by the Lord. So there is no threat or reason for anxiety, if God who loves you is in control.
In a day when conversations about faith in the social sphere seem to always be relegated to political and social reflection and application, it is refreshing to hear a man talk about faith in Jesus in terms of just following Him on the journey, trusting His providence, and waiting on Him. This is quite a testimony. But really it is just Biblical Christianity.
(Man; I just remembered the Jags play my team this Sunday. Sorry, Nick. Go Colts.)
