Tebow Time

What time is it?

It’s Tebow Time.

The world of sports, and the world for that matter, have yet to see a story with the magnitude to Tim Tebow. I have been a fan of sports since the early 90’s as I cheered on the Atlanta Braves. Since I have come to faith in Jesus Christ I have enjoyed rooting for Christian athletes who boldly profess their faith. Names such as Kurt Warner, Josh Hamilton, and Jeff Francoeur are a few whom I have admired over the years.

I remember when I first saw Tebow. His freshman season, the Gators played Ohio State for the National Championship. Chris Leak was the quarterback, but there was a buzz around Tebow, especially after he rushed for a touchdown in that game. From that moment until now, I have never seen such a polarizing athlete. This man finds ways to win and does it all for the glory of the Lord. He shares his faith in Jesus Christ unashamedly.

As a Tebow fan, I enjoy Monday mornings as much as Sundays, because Tebow mania begins in the media and doesn’t stop the whole week. Sports and news sites alike are covering his improbable victories for the Broncos and his Christian faith is rarely left out. CNN, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and other countless newspapers, web-sites, television shows and radio shows are buzzing about this guy.

His wins seem to be orchestrated. Not many people will deny this fact. My dad mentioned that he got chills when he heard how they won the game this past Sunday against the Bears. Many players around the league are talking down on him, while many at the same time are amazed at what is happening.

II Corinthians 16:9a says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” Tebow is a man who, though not perfect, has remained loyal to his Savior and Lord. God is truly showing Himself strong on behalf of this man. The Lord wants to draw people to Himself and His saving grace, and He is using Tim Tebow as a vessel for His glory.

Christians are understandably excited and proud about what is happening with Tebow. It’s truly incredible. Let us all, however, remember that we serve the same God and Savior, Jesus Christ, and give our all in what He has called us to do. It’s God’s Time, and we are all on the playing field He has us on. We’re all on the same team, shining His light for the world to see. Whether or not the Broncos win the Super Bowl, or even a playoff game, is yet to be seen. However, on the Lord’s team, we win every time.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.” James 4:10

Success

“Nobody’s Perfect… But Everybody’s Trying!” This title recently graced the cover of an ESPN the Magazine. On the cover was Tiger Woods, seeking a rebound from his fallout with adultery. While many rightly criticize his choices, could the title of that article not be said of us all? In my life, I can think back to moments of which I am happy and proud. However, for every such moment I can recall one moment I would do differently if the chance presented itself. A clear sign of wisdom and humility is the ability to look back upon one’s failures and learn from them without letting them keep you down. One might say this is a true feat of strength.

If a Navy SEAL slips in a mission or for a moment loses composure, is he a failure? I sure hope not. This doesn’t mean that his mistakes can’t have ramifications, because they can. However, that SEAL must wipe his brow and fight on. True failure would be making a mistake and choosing to give up, right then and there. Success is making a mistake and using that as fuel to overcome. I have yet to meet a perfect man and I suppose you have not, either. A man I admire is one who is not perfect, but is truly striving for it. Those men make the best baseball players, politicians, doctors, and scientists. More importantly, they make the best sons, husbands, and fathers.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only perfect man to grace this earth, and we will not live in perfection until we leave this life and enter the eternal. Until then, I hope and pray for men who are not perfect, but are trying to be. One, who falls down, yet pushes himself back up. One, who makes a mistake, yet apologizes for it and changes course. One who misses an assignment but catches back up and finishes strong. I hope and pray that I will be such a man. One who stays, and finishes, strong.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:7