The best story we’ll witness in college football this season may have already taken place. Jake Olson is a long snapper for the USC Trojans (a team he rooted for growing up) who happens to be blind. Cancer caused him to lose his eyesight at age 12, but that hasn’t stop him from pursuing his dream of playing football.
Despite being blind and a walk on to the Trojan's football team, Olson appeared in the 4th quarter of Saturday’s win against Western Michigan, and his perfect snap allowed the kicker to make the PAT.
With both coaches allowing this special moment to take place, fans and the media have been praising it for being so incredible and inspirational.
The best comment came from Olson himself when he said, “If you can’t see how God works things out, then I think you’re the blind one.”
What a remarkable perspective and response! The fact that he's on the team is amazing enough, but seeing God powerfully work in this situation can encourage us in our own lives.
Being physically blind is extremely difficult, but being spiritually blind is even worse. Unfortunately, many of us walk around each day without relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. We can’t see the truth, discern God’s will, or view what God is doing all around us.
Olson is right when he says we're the blind ones if we can't see how God works things out. However, when we surrender our lives to Jesus and invite His Spirit to live within us, our eyes are opened to seeing things differently. Instead of walking in darkness, God allows us to see things much clearer.
We need to ask ourselves if we are experiencing spiritual blindness by only seeing things through our own lens, or if we are relying on God to open our eyes to see how He sees. Are we closing our eyes and not seeing sin in our lives? Do we see injustice around us, but choose to remain blind instead of opening our eyes to see the truth?
Today, let's be challenged to ask God to remove our blindness, so we can see how He’s working...where He’s leading...and how He wants us to live. Let’s cry out the words in Psalm 119:18 (NLT), "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions."
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see things the way You see them. I pray I wouldn't close my eyes to sin or injustice, but instead see things clearly. Help me to rely on You to have the proper sight. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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