Krishawn Hogan had a lifelong dream of getting drafted and making it to the NFL. He played high school football, but didn’t make it on the field during his first three years. He ended up going to college at Walsh University in Canton, Ohio, and unfortunately dropped out during his freshman year.
Hogan ended up working at Monkey Joe’s inflatable play center, and as a janitor at the Indianapolis Convention center – next door to Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Colts play and the NFL combine is held.
As a janitor with an NFL dream, this is how he describes that time of uncertainty in his life: “Back in those days, it wasn’t always easy to see the vision, the end goal of being in that actual building and feeling so close but so far away from it all.”
The story takes an amazing turn when he gets the opportunity to play football at Marian University, an NAIA college in Indianapolis. In three seasons he played so well that he received an invitation to the scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Hogan then signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals, and the rookie wide receiver is now looking to make the team.
When his dream seemed so far away, Hogan needed someone to give him a chance and to notice what he could become. He wanted to be “in that actual building” and desired to be a part of the NFL family, but didn’t know exactly how it would happen.
This story illustrates a recent realization I’ve had about people’s thoughts on God, faith, and church. The truth is, we have people in our lives who are on the outside looking in, and desiring for their lives to change.
The problem is, they don’t even know where to begin. They’ve rarely been to church, they’ve never read the Bible, and nobody has ever explained who Jesus is or what He’s done on the cross for them. People want to understand how they can know God personally, yet they feel they’re “so far away from it all.”
There are probably many people we know today who want to get into the Church and be a part of God’s family, but they’re waiting for someone to notice them and give them the opportunity to make it happen.
Someone has to take the time, be alert, see the potential for who they can become, and extend the invitation to follow Jesus.
People are searching and longing for God. Their lives could thrive and be transformed by the power of Jesus, but they’re counting on us to show them the way.
Paul gives us these instructions in Colossians 4:2-6 (AMP):
“Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.
“At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the Word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.
“Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious].
“Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would use me to point others to Jesus. Help me be alert and ready to explain what it means to follow and surrender to Him. Please give me opportunities to share how the gospel has transformed my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
