Thursday, December 2, 2010

Reflections on Steve Johnson & His Tweet to God

Sometimes there are stories in sports that are just ripe for talking about.  This happened to be one of them.  Steve Johnson (or Stevie Johnson as he's also known) is a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills.  He's having a breakout season in his third year in the league.  He has 9 touchdowns already and is on pace for a 1,000 yard receiving season.  He helped the Bills in a comeback win against the Bengals a couple of weeks ago.

Last Sunday he didn't have such a great game.  He dropped several passes including one in overtime that would've won the game for the Bills.  Instead the Steelers went on to win on a field goal.  After the game, Johnson talked with the media and shared about how he won't forget about that dropped pass.  You could tell he was really taking it hard.  I felt bad for him.

A few hours later, on his twitter account was this tweet: 
I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO...

His tweet was addressed to God.  When I first heard about this I was like really?  It came across initially as he was blaming God for dropping those passes.  Now prior to Sunday, I knew a little about him and it seemed like he had faith in God.  So when I saw that tweet I was like huh?

Have there been times in my life when I've questioned God?  Yes but I usually kept that between the Father and me.  I never really expressed it aloud, and I didn't tweet about it.  There have been times I've been frustrated with God.  So in that sense I understand some where Johnson was coming from.  Would I have sent that tweet if I was in his shoes?  Probably not.  I might have typed it out but I don't think I would've hit the send button.

Do I think he has a legit faith?  Yeah I think so.  I would hope this has been a learning experience for him.  I think I've learned from it.  It's a reminder that God allows us to throw up questions to Him.  He may not give us the answer at the time but He does answer.  He has a plan and purpose for all of us.

We have a sphere of influence with which God allows us to express our faith and witness for Him.  We are to take the opportunities God provides whether good or bad and use them for His glory and purpose.

(The next day after his tweet to God, Johnson responded by saying this: 
I learned A lot Within 24hrs. Saw Both Sides.(Ups&Dwns) I AM HAPPY & THANKFUL 4 YESTERDAY! w/out Sunday iWldnt have grew closer w/The Lord!!
And No I Did Not Blame God People! Seriously??!? CMon! I Simply Cried Out And Asked Why? Jus Like yal did wen sumthin went wrong n ur life!
So Before Yall..well I'm pretty sure you've awready judged me. I hope you guys look n the mirror. I dnt blame u 4 being mad @ my gm I WAS 2!
Spoke To Friends Fam Teammates and Most Importantly I Spoke With My Wife. I Honestly Believe Evrything Happens For A Reason! Everything!)

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