SEASONS IN THE SON

“By Faith” – Tim Tebow (Condensed) “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews11:1 In studying God’s word for most of my life, it is easy to rattle off more than a dozen all-stars who have already been inducted into the Faith Hall of Fame. I think of Noah being divinely warned of things not yet seen, reacting with godly fear, building an ark, and demonstrating obedience even when he had no idea the magnitude of the cataclysmic event that was about to happen. I think of Abraham, when he was tested, he offered up his son Isaac, who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said in Genesis 21, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.” Without giving context, I also think of Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Job, Nehemiah, David, Daniel, Ruth, Esther, Elijah, Paul, and many others who showcased incredible faith through the greatest of trials. Faith extends beyond what we learn from our senses. Having the physical capacity to see or hear something in the present brings proof that most human beings need to believe. Faith is the part of our very being which gives us the ability to “see” the invisible. Most people know Timm Tebow, the football star in college and later in the NFL. Many may know about his unwavering faith as a Christian athlete dedicating his life to sharing the gospel, serving others, and spreading love for those who are in need. Some may remember that he was significantly responsible for bringing two National Championships to the University of Florida Gators (2006, 2008), becoming the first sophomore ever to win the Heisman Trophy in 2007, and that he was drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. Tebow became well known for his scripture eye black patches worn during each game. These were not just any patches; they were billboards of his faith, each containing a favorite verse from the Bible. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” was the one he used most but Philippians 4:13, Mark 8:36, Ephesians 2:8-10, and James 1:2-4 were also seen on numerous occasions when the television cameras peered through his faceguard. These messages spoke publicly about his faith in Jesus Christ. Tim Tebow has made a tremendous impact on the landscape of sports, using it to promote Christ, influence others, and affect change in the world. He has become the ultimate role model to athletes and non-athletes alike. He is outspoken about his faith in Christ. He recently stated in regard to the big picture of Christian purpose, “I believe every single one of us has the same mission: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and to love your neighbor as yourself,” as written in Matthew 22:37. He also added that Christ-followers need to be on the lookout for ways to affect what’s going on within our midst on a smaller scale. Is there something God has specifically designed just for you? He uses Ephesians 2:10 to explain what he means, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” To answer his own personal calling from the Lord, Tebow has responded in big ways. Tebow met his wife, Demi, in 2018 at one of his foundation’s “Night to Shine” events in South Africa. Demi’s younger sister, Franje was a special needs young lady who was in attendance that evening. They bonded quickly and together, the Tebow’s have continued to celebrate the lives of these special individuals. In an interview after getting married, Tim commented about their pursuit, “For a lot of them, they’ve never been celebrated, they’ve never been clapped for, they’ve never been cheered for, they’ve never been down a red carpet. In our society a red carpet signifies beauty and worth and status – and that’s why every single Night to Shine, all around the world, is going to have a red carpet because in our society, it means you’re somebody. Well to us, and to God, they are somebody! And they have worth, they have significance, and they have status to us.” The Tebow foundation is also one instrument God is using to help eliminate human trafficking and child exploitation. He and Demi are focused on building Protection Centers around the world, starting in Thailand rescuing and assisting as many girls at a time, giving them safety and providing hope for better days on their horizon. "It's such a focus for me because we believe this is one of the greatest evils in the world today," he told Fox News in 2022. “This effort is something that has been very near and dear to my heart and Demi’s heart.” He further commented, "Our mission statement is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need." Tebow also said, "It's easy for people to show up on others' best day. We want to be there on their worst day. We want to be able to help them on their worst day, so that one day they will have their best day." By faith, Tim Tebow ended up becoming a standout quarterback at Nease High School. By faith, he was part of two national championships for the Florida Gators. By faith, he was selected the recipient of the Heisman Trophy. By faith, he broke dozens of records. By faith, Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to a dramatic overtime playoff victory in 2012 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And by faith, Tim Tebow along with his wife Demi are making a difference today on the biggest world-wide stage, fighting some of the greatest evils known to mankind, and serving some of the most underserved populations on the planet. It is clear that Tim Tebow is walking by faith and God is using him for His glory and His Kingdom… just like he did with Noah, Abraham, and all the others enshrined in the Faith Hall of Fame. Prayer for the Journey… Heavenly Father, I come boldly to your throne giving you all praise for you are a Holy God and beyond worthy. I thank you that you redeemed me to yourself, and you call me to be your ambassador for Jesus Christ wherever I go and in the presence of all whom I meet. I cry out to you, Abba, Father for you are my Heavenly Daddy who loves His children and desires to fellowship in such a manner. I pray Lord, that you will empower me each day to go out and accomplish that which you call me to do for your glory. I am grateful for people in this world like Tim Tebow who have such a heart to minister and bless children in multiple ways but particularly those with special needs. I pray that you might align my heart to pursue similar endeavors that make positive marks on the lives of kids. Our world is in dire need of Christ followers who can shepherd the flock and mentor the youth while sharing the gospel. May our words and actions bear much fruit as we give our best to advance your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.