In Florida we really only have two full seasons Summer which last from about mid march til the end of October and College Football Season. This is week 1 for College Football and it’s another year of hope as a Florida Gator fan where I and millions like me begin to believe we can get back to the mountaintop that we havnt seen since January 2009.
In 2008-2009 I was playing sports in high school and like many athletes of that era I looked up to Tim Tebow. I wasn’t a believer but thought if I wore a Necklace with Philippian 4:13 I would get some of that Jesus power that flowed through 15 as he was trucking linebackers and throwing jump passes.
As many have pointed out, this verse isn’t about trucking linebackers because Jesus gives us extra strength but God promises us the strength to press on no matter the circumstances.
I recently read Augustines confessions and I found one of his most cited lines from that book came right next to that famous Tebow verse.
Paul had no power in himself because he was of the same dust as we, but he said these words under the breath of your inspiration and I loved him for it. ‘I can do all things’ (he said) ‘in him who comforts me.’ Strengthen me that I may have this power. Grant what you command, and command what you will.
Pelagius took issue with this idea that God would have to give us anything to obey him. Many since him have been arguing over the degree to which God is involved in changing us. I believe the scriptures are clear and Augustine hits the nail on the head for how we should pray. We pray and pursue holiness but do so in the power given to us by Christ.
The strength given us in Christ is the strength to endure poverty, the strength to endure persecution, suffering, heartbreak, disability. This strength has given me the ability to keep going when I want to collapse into tears. It is the strength that enables me to keep fighting my pride and anger when I am running on 2 hours of sleep and have been for the past week. It gives me the strength to love those who have rejected me as a pastor or who have gossiped about me. Philippians 4:13 is more about living faithfully no matter the circumstances.
I remember after Tebow was drafted how frustrating it was listening to all the NFL commentators saying he wasn’t an NFL quarterback. He was the greatest of all time in my book how could these guys doubt him. Yet his NFL carreer amounted to a few highlights and a rather short career, ending in 2013.
Yet now as a minister and a Father I respect Tebow even more. In 2014, the Tim Tebow Foundation launched Night to Shine, with the first event taking place on February 13, 2015. It was created as a prom experience for people with disabilities centered on God’s love. It has since grown into a worldwide movement. It is one of the absolute best parachurch ministries for those with disabilities. He has made children like mine know they have the dignity of being made in the image of God. They have opened the door for churches to be welcoming and loving to those with disabilities. While many look at Tebow and say look how great he was I look at him now and say look at how great our God is. He gives us strength to minister and follow him not matter our circumstances.
If you enjoyed this post recommend it to someone you love or anyone you know with a working email address.