As I reflect upon our ministry’s 10-year anniversary, I am reminded of one of the first Bible verses I remember reading in college, 2 Corinthians 5:7. In it, the apostle Paul states, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
What is Faith?
The word “faith” can evoke many different sentiments. We often hear phrases like “take a leap of faith," “keep the faith,” or “faith moves mountains.” But, what is faith, really? Is it a positive feeling of hope or a mantra to make us feel good?
The faith that Paul is referring to is neither of those things because it is one not dependent on our present realities or hopes that things will work out. It is faith and dependency on the person of Jesus Christ. I would summarize faith as simply putting our hope and trust in God versus ourselves.
This faith can perhaps be best understood through the comparisons he makes earlier in the letter of 2 Corinthians 4:16-17.
“16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
A Journey Defined by Faith, Not Sight
Throughout the brief history of USG, we have faced challenges that have forced us to live by faith, not by sight. I would love to be able to say that it has become exactly what I believed it would be when I first wrote my class project or point out the strategic decisions and hard work we’ve done to reach 10 years as an organization. But the reality of it is, it can only be explained through faith and the work of Christ.
There have been ideas that we were certain would be successful, but have failed. We’ve had seasons where we were confident we’d receive a donation only to find out that it did not go through. Yet, there have also been projects we thought would be ineffective that have proven fruitful. We’ve received provisions that we never knew we needed at the perfect time that turned out to be pivotal. All of these ups and downs have continuously helped our organization understand again and again that our hope is in Him, not in ourselves.
The Provision of the Lord
Uncommon Sports Group has been incredibly blessed with talented staff, Board Members, supporters, and members whom God has worked through these past 10 years. There has certainly been no shortage of successes that He has allowed us to experience, whether that be equipping future leaders, orchestrating mission trips, or leading professional development opportunities. We certainly believe that God has used Uncommon Sports Group to help hundreds if not thousands of individuals come to know Him more.
Our hope, however, is not in any of these programs or numbers, but instead is in a perfect and eternal God Who promises to use all things for our good and His glory. Sometimes this will include things we’ve been intentionally pursuing, other times it will inevitably include things that do not make sense from an earthly standpoint. Regardless, we press on to walk by faith, not by sight.
If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!