This past college football weekend was filled with great games and surprising upsets, including the 50-47 double-OT game with Texas knocking off No. 10 Notre Dame.
Texas has been a strong football school for many years, but they struggled toward the end of the Mack Brown era, which led to the hiring of head coach Charlie Strong.
When a team hires a new coach, football fans display a level of skepticism until things fully turn around. However, there are those who have more hope when they believe the University made the right choice in putting their faith in a new coach.
Strong, now in his third season at Texas, has a record of 12-14. Although feelings about him have been mixed so far, Sunday’s win is turning some skeptics into believers as Texas jumps into the AP Top 25 for the first time since he took over.
When deciding to believe in a coach or not, I find it interesting that sports fans wrestle with skepticism and faith. Some fans believe from the get-go, while others wait to witness more evidence. As they see consistency and something different, fans ultimately move from skeptics to believers.
Each day we interact with people who doubt whether or not God exists. They question the Bible and struggle to believe that Jesus is the answer. Some will recognize the evidence all around us, and see the validity of God’s Word, while others will always want to see or know more before committing to Jesus.
I think those of us who do follow Jesus are being watched by people who wonder if we are consistent in the way we live and if there is truly something different about us. Skeptics can become believers when they see genuine followers of Christ living this out with authenticity.
The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV), "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Texas won a big game on a national stage against a top-ranked team and everyone was watching. Many are now believers. Today, as people watch how we respond, interact, and treat others, will Jesus shine through? Will our lives cause skeptics to wonder and begin to believe? I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you that You allow me to be an ambassador for You. I know people are looking to see if my life is different and consistent because of Jesus. I pray that You would give me the strength and opportunities to help point skeptics to You, so they can experience the same hope I have in my heart. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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