An injured NFL star told his teammates at a recent practice… “I just want to thank the Lord.”
Ryan Shazier of the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a severe injury after a tackle in a game on December 4th. He underwent spinal stabilization surgery three days later to secure his injured spine and help with neurological recovery.
At a practice session before the team’s loss to Jacksonville he told his teammates, “I want to thank the Lord for the first downs that he has been allowing me to achieve. The touchdown is going to come in his timing, but today was a first down. I was finally able to make it to practice with my teammates.”
He added, “The Lord has not finished his work yet.”
Shazier suffers from alopecia, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss. He was taunted and ridiculed as a child. His parents helped him develop an altruistic attitude he carries with him to this day.
His father, who is a pastor and a football coach, explains: “My message is always to act like a champion.” His son has Philippians 4:13 written on his left arm: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Ryan Shazier is just one of many outstanding athletes who love and serve Jesus and they have a message for all of us….When we trust God in hard places, others take note and Jesus is glorified.