Higher Ways

We can be convinced that God loves us and always has our best in mind - and the best thing that any human being can do is to give his or her life to Jesus Christ.  The Bible teaches us that, in accordance with His purpose, and motivated by His love, God is working everything for our good, which is His good, His perfect plan for us.  Here's a passage of Scripture from Romans 8 (ESV), that contains a familiar verse:
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

This Sunday, the 60th Super Bowl will take place - that would be, in Roman numerals, Super Bowl LX.  The New England Patriots are back in a familiar place in the big game, and the resurgent Seattle Seahawks will be their opponents.  But, unlike the last times the two met for the NFL Championship, there will be no Tom Brady.  No Russell Wilson.

And, to the chagrin of Denver Broncos, Oregon Ducks, and maybe even Auburn Tigers fans, there will be no Bo Nix.  He was injured in the divisional round victory by the Broncos and was unable to play in the snow-laded AFC Championship game.

But, Bo is a man of faith, and has exhibited his trust in the Lord through this ordeal.  A Movieguide article said:

“The last few days have been hard to put into words,” he began an Instagram post. “What started as one of the most exciting games I’ve ever been a part of ended with some of the most devastating football news I’ve ever received. This is not how I imagined my season would come to an end, but our season has been defined by overcoming adversity and responding to it.”

He added: “God never says oops, and He is always good. He has big plans for this team. We’re not finished, as a matter of fact, we’re just getting started. We’re just going to keep climbing higher..."

Bo is someone who is vocal about his faith in Jesus Christ.  Earlier in the season, following a comeback victory over the New York Giants, according to Sports Spectrum:

Nix was asked was what going through his mind as Lutz’s kick went through the uprights.

“A lot,” Nix said. “‘Thank You, Lord, for putting me in this position, choosing me to be the quarterback of this team, and giving us the opportunity to win a game like that.’ [Broncos tight end] Evan [Engram] said it best in the locker room: He chose us for a time like that. I’m just very thankful and very relieved.”

Nix continued later, “We talked about yesterday ‘As iron sharpens iron, so does a man sharpen another.’ You know, we had every right to quit. Every right to just stop playing with each other. But for some reason, we don’t have those guys. We have guys that continue to battle, continue to play really hard.”

The article noted, "Nix has stayed grounded by his faith in Christ. During games, the 25-year-old wears tape on his left wrist with a cross drawn on it, as well as a blue and orange bracelet that cites the Bible verse Romans 10:10. His right thigh pad also displays a cross.

Bo comes from a family of faith.  His father, former Auburn quarterback, Patrick Nix, has been a successful high school coach, with three high school state championships, two at Pinson Valley, with Bo as quarterback.  The other was at Central High School in Phenix City. And, just last month, according to WTVM Television in Columbus, the elder Nix announced his resignation from Central, in order to "pursue opportunities in ministry."

Nix becomes the second high-profile coach in the state to step down from successful coaching in order to pursue God's plan in ministry.  Last May, former Auburn assistant basketball coach Chad Prewett announced his resignation on X.  24/7 Sports quoted him: "After an incredible journey and 30 unforgettable years in coaching, I've made the decision to step away from my lifelong dream of coaching at Auburn University to pursue a new calling in the ministry through UniteUS and other ministry opportunities," adding, "This decision comes with deep reflection, prayer, and peace, knowing it's time to follow where God is leading me next."

These three gentlemen have exhibited a reliance on God throughout their respective careers in athletics.  Patrick Nix and Chad Prewett have chosen a new season in ministry. Bo Nix will undoubtedly be back next season to continue what has been an amazing NFL career.  

No matter what the season, whether we feel sidelined by injury of a physical or emotional or spiritual nature, or if we have sense a call of God to change vocation, we can know that He goes with us.  And, He has a plan in mind for us.  His ways are higher than our own, according to the Scriptures.

Even though there will be challenges and we may think that God has sidelined us, we can be convinced that He loves us and knows what is best.  We will grow through our trials;  we can continue to trust Him and go where He sends us.  Even into the fire, into the battle, into a place of trouble.  On the mountain or in the valley.  From Mile High Stadium to Pinson Valley to the Plains.  He is sovereign, and we can depend on His love and His power to sustain us.