The college football season is drawing near to its end, with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish set to battle for the National Championship in Atlanta on Monday night.
It should be an exciting game, with both teams hitting their stride now that the calendar has turned to 2025.
As a lifelong college football fan, I have enjoyed numerous aspects of the expanded 12-team Playoff. Non-traditional powers such as Arizona State, SMU, and Indiana in the chase for a championship added an extra layer of excitement to the Playoff.
Of course, there have also been numerous thrilling games and highlight reel plays from some of the game's top players. Among all of the talented players in this year's playoffs, my favorite one to watch is undoubtedly Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.
As a Duke football fan, I was already familiar with Leonard's skill set and athleticism. But even so, watching his style of play prove effective against some of the country's most elite defenses has been entertaining.
Although he is not always the most accurate passer, Leonard is an incredible athlete who seems to find a way to do just enough to get the job done for his team.
More importantly, as a follower of Jesus, I have been encouraged by Leonard's handling of his interactions with the media as his team has made its run to Atlanta.
Leonard, a professing Christian, has consistently been primed and ready to speak about his faith and give glory to God whenever interviewed by media members.
For instance, following the semifinal victory over Penn State, Leonard's response to being asked about what had changed for Notre Dame's offense in the second half was, "I just started trusting the Lord. I looked up and said, 'Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I trust it one hundred percent, and I know that this offense and this team trusts in Jesus and his plan for this season.'"
Seeing someone with Leonard's platform consistently speak about his faith and dependence upon Jesus is inspiring. I am grateful for his willingness to be unashamed about his beliefs.
Many of us may never have the size of platform that God has given Riley Leonard to tell others of the good news of Jesus. However, we shouldn’t allow that fact to detract us from recognizing God has given us each a unique platform where we have a specific position to speak to others about Jesus.
Riley Leonard reminds us to be ready to share who God is and what He has done in our lives whenever He gives us the opportunity.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) says, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
It can be easy for us "normal people" to become discouraged because our platform isn't as large as a famous athlete. Yet, we must remember that the most effective gospel encounters often occur in intimate one-on-one interactions, such as the ones we have daily.
Rather than lamenting our lack of a bigger platform, we should embrace and recognize that God has given each of us unique situations so that we will be ready to act when they arise.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) states, "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
Regardless of where we are today, we should recognize that God has appointed us faithful ambassadors for His kingdom. By His strength, it is up to us to be prepared when they come.
Today, let's do our best to prepare ourselves in advance so that we might be bold and faithful when God generously provides us with our next opportunity to speak of His greatness.
I'm Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for uniquely gifting me and positioning me to make an impact for Your glory. Please help me make the most of every opportunity to speak to others about You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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