Anything’s Possible: Sports, Faith, and the Glory of God
June 22, 2008
“Anything’s possible!” These words were screamed multiple times by Kevin Garnett, the Celtics’ eleven time all-star power forward, after winning the elusive NBA championship. Garnett, unable to gain his composure and dripping with sweat, slowly swayed back and forth, speechless. I know this little tidbit of recent sports history because I am an unabashed sports junkie, so I was glued to the TV as the Celtics wrapped up their 17th title-their first since 1986. One thing struck me about Garnett’s words after I considered the full import of them. He was exactly right in his assessment, but oh-so-wrong at the same time. Garnett was unknowingly affirming a text from the gospels. Asked by the disciples who can be saved, Jesus responds, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Here Jesus is emphasizing that what seems impossible with man is exactly that, thus, only God can achieve it. What Garnett failed to realize about his sentiment-and in the ensuing celebration that extended on throughout the rest of the week-is that winning a basketball championship is not the peak of human experience nor is it something he achieved. I do not mean to denigrate the remarkable accomplishment of these athletes, but in comparison to the wonder of worshipping their Creator-God, winning a basketball championship is hardly something to write home about. According to Jesus and His disciples, Garnett’s expression of glee mingled with disbelief finds greater accuracy when applied to the seemingly mundane activity of Christians gathering to worship every week.
After hearing this story I am forced to ask myself the question, what would happen if we as a church were as excited about the living God and His everlasting glory as Garnett was about a gold trophy that shines with luster now but will soon fade in time? It might translate into a more robust faith that Jesus says can cause a mountain to be thrown into the sea (Matthew 21:21). If we were to grow in trust of the supreme power and holiness of God, our faith would swell such that we would begin to see a movement of God we have yet to perceive in our lifetime. Perhaps revival would break forth.
So how do we foster this kind of excitement and nurture our faith so that we are able to scream at the top of our lungs “Anything’s possible with God?” By steadily fixing our gaze upon the glory of God in the face of Christ. The more enamored we are by the glory of God and the majesty of His Son, the more rooted we will be in our faith, giving us the freedom of taking radical risks for the sake of the kingdom. So, let’s foster this type of excitement by steadily cultivating a diet of the word of God and prayer while recognizing that Jesus is the supreme satisfaction of our lives. Join me in praying that God gives us a joy so deep that a Christ-honoring excitement is the only possible outcome.
Shouting forth God’s Ability,
Gabe