The Not So Sudden Rise of Johnny Football

This weekend was history making in college football. An unknown freshman that was not even projected to start in his position this year, just won the coveted Heisman. His team was not even ranked in the pre-season polls. What? As my daughter says…”whodaknew?”

How did this happen? Where did “Johnny Football” come from and how did his star rise so fast? Two years ago Johnny admitted that he was playing high school football and watching his favorite college player (Cam Newton) win the Heisman on TV. It was only a dream that he would one day hold that coveted trophy. Fast-forward two years and there he stood, surrounded by a host of college football’s greatest, all applauding for him.

Johnny Football did not come out of thin air. He was developed from an early age. From behind the Heisman podium he shared how both his father and grandfather had invested hours and hours developing him mentally and physically for the game of football. In addition to them, he has had countless head coaches and position coaches invest in his development. Yes, “Johnny Football” has seemed to burst onto the scene only this year but his star was rising long, long before it broke over the horizon.

It is no different with the children God has entrusted to us. They will not suddenly come into their own and be mature young people without an investment. How are you doing with that opportunity?  Take heart because you are not left on your own to figure it out. God’s Word is full of wisdom for this task. Let me encourage you to avail yourself of the many passages that reveal principles for you to follow. In addition, it is helpful to work through these principles with other men where successes and failures can be discussed.

Like “Johnny Football”, success is not instantaneous. It does not come about on its own no matter what it looks like. Make the commitment to invest now for a joyous future.

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