Cinderella Story

Last Friday, I watched the televised press conference as Kurt Warner retired from the NFL—ending his 12 year career. Warner’s story has been well-reported, and is one of the most heartwarming in pro football history. Bagging groceries while playing in the Arena Football League, Kurt got a chance to be a backup with the St. Louis Rams, and he took it. When the starter, Trent Green, went down with an injury, Kurt took over and eventually won a Super Bowl and two MVPs. His career took a downward turn when he went to New York to backup Eli Manning—but then his journey took him to Arizona and the sad sack Cardinals. He took over as the starter there, and led the once-woeful Cards to the Super Bowl. Kurt Warner’s career has been a true Cinderella story—and one so remarkable that we may never see the like of it again.

At his press conference, however, Warner, while thanking family, friends, teammates, coaches, and organizations for all they had done for him, had a very special message to convey. When he took the podium, Warner brought his Bible with him. Why? He shared that as a believer he had spent much time in the scriptures reading the stories of people. Ordinary people that were used in profound ways by an extraordinary God. Kurt went on to say that he identified with those ordinary people—and was thankful to his God for likewise letting him see wonderful things in his life. He affirmed that the reason for that was not his ability (though his ability is significant). The reason for it is the God who does great things through regular folks.

That should encourage us. God must love ordinary people—because He made more of us than any other kind! And, as we see in 1 Corinthians 1, those are the people God loves to use. Paul wrote:

Kurt Warner’s message resonates with the apostle Paul’s. God is a great God who does great things through ordinary folks like you and me. The question is whether or not we will submit to Him and His purposes. What might He want to do through you? Be available. He is an extraordinary God who delights in working through ordinary men and women.

Bill Crowder, Sport Spectrum Chaplain