(Desiring God) — I invite you to watch this moving 11-minute story of Michigan State linebacker Chris Norman.
Desiring God commissioned the video because God is at the center of the story, and because at one key point, God used Don’t Waste Your Life as part of his surprising plan for Chris’s life. Special thanks to hip-hop artists Flame and Shai Linne for their contributions to the soundtrack, and to Michigan State University and ESPN for the game footage.
Why would a promising All-American turn from options in the NFL toward theological education and the pastoral ministry? The decisive reason came in 2011 at a Christian camp for athletes. He saw something different: People enjoying Jesus.
I didn’t know that Jesus could be enjoyed. So once I figured that out — it was the night of May 24, 2011 — Christ got a hold of my life, captivated my heart, and changed me from the inside out.
As it has happened for many of us, this love for Christ became, in Chris’s life, a specific call to ministry. About a week after his final game he decided to go to seminary. It is a remarkable story brimming with lessons for life. Lessons like . . .
- First loves in life, no matter how good, and how intense, may not prove to be last loves.
- Joy in Jesus is captivating.
- At key points in our lives direction from God will be followed by opposition and obstacles.
- Surprising, unexpected help comes along the path of obedience.
- Drop your pebbles of Christ-exalting truth in every pond you can. You have no idea where the ripples might go. This surely has been the story of my life. Share the gospel. Preach a sermon. Give a devotional. Write a book. For example, Don’t Waste Your Life. And seven years later it falls into the hands of a Michigan State linebacker.
- Now Chris has dropped his pebble into this video. Where will the ripples go? When you watch, you will become part of that story. And it will become part of yours.
Would you help us share Chris’s story with more and more athletes and sports fans? It will begin with your friends, family, classmates, and co-workers. You can send them to www.desiringGod.org/drafted.
Check out Chris Norman’s article, Why I Said No to the NFL, where he explains his decision and answers questions raised by the video.
So good! What God has for us is far better then what we plan are lives to be. Glory to God!;)
This is terrible! This football player had goals and dreams and God shot them down. I can’t help thinking about how much happier this man would have been if he just followed his true passion. Do what you want to do in life, not what someone (or some god) wants you to do.
I strongly disagree, Guest. As a football player myself, I know how exciting football is. It is my passion. But, there are two things that are more important then football to me: God, and people. And pursuing full time ministry is an honor, and in my opinion, just as much (if not more) of an honor then the NFL. And as much as I LOVE football, if I felt God was calling me into full time ministry, I would do it, even if I was faced with the same decision that Chris Norman faced. I hope this helps you understand were Chris was probably coming from.
God bless, Guest,
– Trent.
I strongly disagree Guest. We are here in this world to please God and spread his word through this world. We should not get attached to our worldly desires and do what we want to do.
Wow. As a Christian football player, myself, I can really relate to this. I sometimes think “Does God want me to pursue football for the rest of my life or do something different?” I have looked up to the NFL athlete, Tim Tebow, with how he is using his career in the NFL as a way of sharing his faith. And I now am encouraged by Chris Norman on how he was able to turn down a football career for what he knew God wanted him to do. Thank you so much for this post!
That’s great, Trent. I’m glad the post and video were able to encourage you as a Christian athlete. =)
Sorry that I haven’t been on for the past month. I’ve have been loaded with work to do, and haven’t had much time. I have found a great example of a youth football team doing a great hard thing. Should I just put the link here or somewhere else?
No problem! Glad to see you back. =)
You can share the link here, or if you want, you can submit story ideas on our “Submit Content” page:
http://therebelution.com/submit-content/
Alrighty. This is the link. Thanks:
http://elitedaily.com/news/world/can-learn-lot-middle-school-football-team-video/
Now, I don’t know what the copy-write deal is with this, so I don’t know if I could use the video for an article or not. I just found this and don’t know the publishers or the team.
This video was so convicting. Makes me wonder, am I truly willing to live for Christ? To do whatever He asks me, even if I face opposition? To do everything for His glory? I pray we all learn from Mr. Norman and his experience.