When I reflect back on my career, I realize just how much God has sustained and blessed me. Not many have the opportunity to play football professionally, and I know there’s nothing I’ve done to deserve it, but God has given me this gift. The deeper I journey in my walk with Him, the more aware I have become of His presence that has been over my life since the beginning.
It can be tempting in sport to think that we’ve earned what we have in our own strength. But for me, I know that God is the source of every good thing in my life. He has set all of this out for me to enjoy and to do in a way that brings glory to His name.
I play football because God has placed me in this field. Of course, the results matter deeply. But Jesus matters more. Long after my career is over, Jesus will remain. He has called us to experience the fullness of life here and into communion with Him for eternity.
That doesn’t mean I don’t experience frustration or hardship. I’ve challenged myself and stepped out of my comfort zone throughout my career. Sometimes I relate more with the Israelites wandering in the wilderness than I do with my triumphant risen Savior. But I know that however I feel, God is unchanging, and He walks with me in every season. As He was with the Israelites in the desert, He is with me through every step of my journey.
Whether I’m on the pitch, or on the bench, in the squad or out of the squad, all that I do I do for the Lord. Yet it’s difficult to carry this attitude with me when I’ve felt rejected and overlooked. Those seasons have been groundwork for me to reflect on my heart–do I really trust God?
In His grace, along the way, there has been so much purpose in my walk with the Lord that reaches far beyond football. I’ve met so many wonderful followers of Christ in the places football has taken me.
Now, at my new club, I’m a part of a legacy of faith that older players have laid down before me, and I have the honor of building upon as I gather with my teammates to pray and seek the Lord. It’s not about me, it’s about allowing the Spirit to move as I just try to do my bit for the Kingdom and wait, patiently and faithfully, for Him to carry His good work to completion in my life and in the world.
Challenge
Have you ever felt overlooked or rejected? How has God challenged your faith to grow in those seasons? What have you learned about Him through that experience?
How has your relationship with Jesus given you purpose outside of your sport or career?
Summary
Ben’s story reminds us that life isn’t about performing—it’s about trusting Jesus. Through pressure, setbacks, and success, God was shaping his heart and drawing him closer. Our identity isn’t found in what we do but in who we belong to. When we surrender to Him, we discover true peace, purpose, and that we are chosen for more.
Next Steps
We have other devotionals from World Cup players and athletes like Ben. You can find them on the Athletes in Action Connect page here in the Bible App. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep walking with Jesus through His Word.
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