It was a hot sunny day in Florida with parents of little leaguers filling the bleachers to watch their offspring attempt the great American past time. My wife and I were there to witness our own little towhead begin his rite of passage. Judy is much better at this than I am. She could sit and chit-chat with other moms and actually enjoy the small talk. Not me. My apprehension for Timothy’s success on the diamond would not allow me to savor the moment. Perhaps, I had unconsciously swallowed the lie that one’s self esteem would be enhanced by their child’s ability to throw, catch, or hit a ball. Ironically, we dads were far more concerned about our sons doing well than they were.
Anyway, at one point during the game, as our son took his place in the batter’s box, it slipped out; a whisper of a prayer, a plea for sporting grace, “Dear Lord, please, let him get a hit.” Apparently my supplication was overheard by one of those veteran moms who also had endured such a moment. She leaned over, put her hand on my shoulder, smiled and said, “God doesn’t hear athletic prayers.”
The world swung from beneath my feet. It was one of those moments when you feel that maybe we really are alone in this vast universe. However, looking back on the experience, I can’t even remember if he hit the ball or if his team won the game. What I do remember is learning one of the great indisputable facts of life; God doesn’t answer athletic prayers.
What brought this traumatic memory back to me was the announcement that Tim Tebow would be Denver’s starting QB in Miami against the Dolphins. I won’t go into the various reasons why I’m a fan of the Heisman trophy winning, two time national champion, scripture quoting, missionary kid, Florida Gator quarterback. Let’s just say I like his throwing motion.
Here’s the deal. In spite of the indisputable fact of life I mentioned earlier, I will be praying for Tim Tebow today. Because not only has the devil painted a target on this 23 year old virgin, but major sports media have as well. I also believe the Denver fans who chant “Tebow” at Mile High are doing him no favors. Imagine the pressure.
But my prayer this time will be slightly different. I won’t so much be praying for Denver to win, or even for egg on the faces of those ESPN analysts who’ve been proclaiming his ineptitude and prognosticating his NFL demise. It won’t be an athletic prayer at all. It will be a prayer that God will continue to direct, protect, and bless this young star. It will be a supplication for endurance against the scrutiny and temptation of a world that would love to witness his fall from grace.
I take great comfort in the sovereignty of God. And who knows what God has in store for Tim Tebow. Failure on the gridiron could prove to be a huge blessing for him in the long run. We all know too well that fame and fortune have claimed many victims in the world of sports. So I pray that Tim won’t be one.
