Author: Anita deFreese
Reading: 1 Peter 5:6-7 RSV
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that God may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on God because God cares for you.”
Have you been following the UNL men’s basketball team this season? The Huskers are having an amazing, historic year. In fact they just won their 26th game; the most games won in Husker history.
One player in particular I enjoy watching. Sam Hoiberg really stands out and is a prime part of their success. He’s fun to watch as he zigzags through opponents, stealing the ball, making three pointers, and assisting other players to make points. He constantly hustles and plays selflessly.
Life hasn’t always been this good for Sam. He was not recruited and a walk on, which means he didn’t have a scholarship when he began. He sat on the bench his first couple of years. Now he starts and is the glue that holds the team together. He has said himself that he couldn’t have imagined where he is today when he first started playing for the Huskers. He simply did his best. His hard work has paid off. I think he has truly been blest.
So, what does this story mean for us? Not many of us will be in the spot light and get the shine. But we are blest in so many ways that God can use for the benefit of all. God cares for all of us, so shouldn’t we respond to God’s calling by doing what we can for the good of the Kingdom? That means hard work, which is not always recognized nor can we always see the outcome. We simply trust God to care for us and then do our best.
Prayer:
Dear Loving God, We are so grateful for your care each day. You have blest us with life itself. Help us to trust your care, so that we can do our best to further your kingdom. All this we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen