Awakening the Sleeping Giant

Another football season has begun as fall quickly approaches.  While many are thinking about how good their favorite team is going to be this year, my thoughts are more focused on the potential impact the athletes will have on their fans.  The truth is their sport allows them to have a platform to broadcast some type of message to the young eyes that are enamored with their favorite sports superstar.  As we all know through watching the news, that message can be both positive and negative.

The focus of this blog post is to discuss the impact these athletes could potentially have on the younger generation.  The thought of awakening the Sleeping Giant, makes me think of a "great power that is still and waiting."  The question is why is it being still when it has the potential to impact countless lives?  What could it possibly be waiting for?  What is the proverbial cold bucket of water that will awaken it from its deep slumber?   What if all it took was an introduction to someone that has the ability to change their life forever?  The very person who was responsible for giving them their talents and abilities as well as loving them beyond belief or comprehension.  I'm not talking about their parents, coaches or friends.  The person I am referring to is Jesus Christ.  The Bible says in 1 Cor. 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold , all things have become new."  

The possibilities are endless for the athlete that has Christ in their life.  Wasted platforms of the past become thriving and utilized platforms to share God's goodness with others.  Understanding the importance of making the right decisions become apparent as they recognize their external circumstances while being Spirit led and God fed.  John 15:16 says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain."  Not only did God choose us individually by creating us, He wants us to bear fruit in His name.  For an athlete that equates to using their platform to glorify God and telling others the positive impact Jesus has had on their life.  An athlete sharing his personal testimony has a powerful impact on the younger generation.  

In closing, I would like to share some insight recently gained from a book by Herb Hodges called 
"Tally Ho the Fox! (The Foundation for Building World-Visionary, World-Impacting, Reproducing Disciples)."  The author talks about a pack of hunting dogs and describes these four qualities they each possess: need to sleep, self-preservation, allowing others to join the pack if no conflict exists and fighting each other.  That is, of course, until a fox goes by.  Once the pack of dogs catch a glimpse or pick up the scent of a fox, their primary focus becomes the fox.  While pursuing the fox, they get sleep when needed.  There is no time for self-preservation because working together as a team is critical to catch the fox.  Instead of being selective in who joins the pack, the dogs know more help increases their chances of catching the fox.  During their pursuit they bump into each other but their is no time for barking or fighting because it could jeopardize getting their paws on the fox.  

If the athlete's fox is the pursuit of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, the impact to the younger generation will be significant.  The world will be changed as we know it and the Sleeping Giant will ultimately be awakened.  What was once still and waiting is now moving and impacting countless lives through the power of Christ.  

Your Brother in Christ,

Miguel "The Hitman" Viera #40

"Committed to tackling souls for Christ"

Visit www.trafford.com/06-0375 to read about Miguel's book "Walking on Higher Ground and Awakening the Spirit Within: A Christian Student Athlete's Spiritual Journey Through the Doors of College and Beyond." To learn more about Playing for Jesus Ministries, visit http://miguelrviera.wix.com/pfjm