The Apostles were noted to preach the kingdom of God with boldness (Acts 28:31). A mark of a Christian is living boldly for Christ and proclaiming Him to others. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the founder of M.A.D Ministries, Jerry Steele, talks about living boldly for Christ in the world of sports. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

On the weekend of October 25-27, Uncommon Sports Group hosted twenty USG Academy  participants in Phoenix, AZ, for an Impact Weekend ! USG offers a fully-funded Impact Weekend for every individual who completes the eight-week virtual USG Academy. These weekends allow Academy graduates to put what they have learned in the virtual Academy into action, such as networking with present leaders of the college and pro sport industry, fellowshipping with other Christians in sports, and being challenged to grow in their walks with Christ. Read a full recap of our latest Impact Weekend to Phoenix   here . One of our participants during the Impact Weekend, Grayson Rulon, is currently studying at the University of Kentucky and desires to work in strength and conditioning. Below is a testimony of his experience during the Impact Weekend: "My trip to Phoenix was life-changing, to say the least! I see why Uncommon Sports Group names this weekend trip an “Impact Weekend.” I joined USG back in May this year and missed my Impact Weekend for Team 39. So all I was thinking was that I joined another club to put in my bios on social media. I obviously learned a lot about being a Christ-centered leader in the sport industry in the future, but I really didn’t think too much about being a part of USG. My coach gave me the chance to go to Impact Weekend in Phoenix, AZ this year in October. After going on this Impact Weekend, I realized the importance of Uncommon Sports Group for my future work in the sport industry as a Christ-Follower. All through the community that I got the opportunity to connect with. “Connected” is one of USG’s three core values. They are committed to Christian fellowship and accountability. The Fellowship on this Impact weekend was breathtaking. I met many people on this trip that are going to be relationships/friendships for the rest of my life.  This Impact Weekend also was very important for Professional Development. Not only did we have tours at Universities in AZ and professional teams, but we also got to sit through panel sessions. Most of the employees leading these panel sessions were also members of USG. I did not realize how many members there are of USG across the country. But these panel sessions were so influential because they showed us that Christians are working everywhere. They really boosted the confidence of all of us on the trip to show us that we are not alone. I was personally very thankful that I got to talk to a couple of the people leading the panel sessions to get connected with the Strength and Conditioning coaches at each of these organizations.  I’m going back to fellowship. 2 Corinthians 6:14 tells us how we are to be equally yoked. It tells us that if we are not equally yoked, the fellowship is unrighteous. It is very hard to find those equally yoked relationships in our day and age. Outside of church, being a college student has made it very hard to find those relationships. Getting involved with USG will for sure give you equally yoked relationships. I evangelized and shared the gospel with a couple of the people on this trip to check to see if they understood the gospel and were saved. I was very thankful that everyone I talked to was indeed saved and had faith in their eternal life in heaven. Especially during the group Bible study we had over Acts 2:42-47. We read about the early church's fellowship with one another. Whether it was eating meals with each other, or just breaking bread together. This taught us that we gained fellowship from something as small as reading God’s Word together. This passage really showed why fellowship with the congregation is mandatory." Seeing how God used this Impact Weekend to challenge, encourage, and grow the participants in their faith and careers was encouraging. We are grateful to Grayson for his testimony and commitment to serving Christ through the sport industry! If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can come alongside you as a Christian in the sport industry, click here  to see how you can get involved.

On the weekend of October 25-27, Uncommon Sports Group hosted twenty USG Academy  participants in Phoenix, AZ, for an Impact Weekend ! USG offers a fully-funded Impact Weekend for every individual who completes the eight-week virtual USG Academy. These weekends allow Academy graduates to put what they have learned in the virtual Academy into action, such as networking with present leaders of the college and pro sport industry, fellowshipping with other Christians in sports, and being challenged to grow in their walks with Christ. Read a full recap of our latest Impact Weekend to Phoenix   here . One of our participants during the Impact Weekend, Alyssa Ryals, is currently studying at Samford University and serving as the Bulldogs Volleyball Team Analyst. Below is a testimony of her experience during the Impact Weekend: "My experience in Phoenix with Uncommon Sports Group was truly transformative, both spiritually and professionally. The time spent there not only deepened my relationship with God but also sharpened the skills and perspective I bring into my jobs in the sport industry.  Spiritually the trip provided a unique environment where faith and my career intersected. From the morning devotions to the deep conversations with peers and leaders, every part of the experience was designed to challenge and inspire me. It was powerful to see how individuals in the sport industry integrate their faith into their work, and it reminded me that maintaining integrity, humility, and a servant's heart is possible even in fast-paced competitive environments.  One of the most cherished aspects of the trip was the time spent at the Airbnb and our shared meal times. These moments were invaluable for building deep connections with the young women in USG. I also grew closer to several members from nearby areas of my home state. The sense of community has continued beyond the trip too! I am hopeful to plan a visit to one of the members in Kentucky who is within driving distance. Until then, we stay connected through weekly vlog updates, sharing our challenges and celebrations. These ongoing interactions have been a source of encouragement specifically as he has prayed over me during tough times. This is a true testament to the quality of individuals within USG.  Professionally the trip was equally impactful! The workshops and networking opportunities provided invaluable insights into the sports industry. We got to engage with seasoned professionals who openly shared their career paths, lessons learned, and practical advice. I gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to thrive in this industry and how important adaptability and community are.  Reflecting on my time in Phoenix, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet the members of USG. The experience has fueled my passion for merging my faith with my professional pursuits and inspired me to be a leader who stays grounded in what truly matters. It’s experiences like these that remind me of my calling and help me reinforce that in every role I take. There is certainly an opportunity to glorify God and positively impact those around me in the sport industry." Seeing how God used this Impact Weekend to challenge, encourage, and grow the participants in their faith and careers was encouraging. We are grateful to Alyssa for her testimony and commitment to serving Christ through the sport industry! If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can come alongside you as a Christian in the sport industry, click here  to see how you can get involved.

It can be hard to trust that God has a purpose in difficult times. Especially when we face disappointment in our careers. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Denver Nuggets Assistant Coach, Ryan Saunders, discusses how he has navigated disappointment in his career and the purpose that God had in it. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

This past weekend Uncommon Sports Group hosted an Impact Weekend in Phoenix, AZ, for twenty USG Academy participants. Each of the attendees spent eight weeks walking through USG’s unique Academy program that provides faith-based and professional development opportunities for the participants as they pursue careers in the sport industry. The Impact Weekend experience is a required in-person opportunity that each Academy participant attends to provide them with a more hands-on development experience and a chance to build Christ-centered relationships within the college and pro sport industry. After traveling to Phoenix, the weekend officially began on Friday afternoon with a visit to Grand Canyon University’s campus. At GCU, our group had the opportunity to hear from a panel of speakers that featured six professionals within the Lopes athletic department including Jamie Boggs, Vice President of Athletics; Nick Ojea, Assistant Vice President/Deputy Athletic Director; Anthony Martinez, Senior Associate Athletic Director, Student Services; Micah Meyer, Associate Athletic Director of Finance; Katy Keenan, Director of Student-Athlete Development; Alexandra Blaser, Director of Compliance; and Cory Tubbs, Athletics Chaplain. The panel touched on their career journeys, the challenges they face as Christians working in sports, how they are navigating the continuous changes that are happening within college athletics, and more! At the end of the session, our group was able to ask questions to the panel. Once the panel concluded, we were able to take a tour of GCU’s athletic facilities! Our tour included stops at Global Credit Union Arena, basketball practice facility, soccer stadium, and baseball field. From GCU’s campus, we headed to Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in Tempe where the group had the opportunity to serve at one of FMSC’s packing sessions. FMSC is a Christian non-profit that is committed to providing nutritious meals to hungry children worldwide. Our group was honored with the opportunity to meet the needs of people across the world through this service opportunity, all for God’s glory! Day two of the Impact Weekend kicked off on Saturday morning with a large group Bible study through Acts 2:42-47. Attendees studied this section of Scripture by using the Discovery Bible Study (DBS) method, which allows participants to study God’s Word in a replicable format.  After the Bible study, we headed to Arizona State University’s football facility for a tour, which was given by USG member and ASU’s Assistant Director of Football Operations, Lexie Godfrey. Our tour included walking through the Sun Devils weight room, locker room, football stadium, and film room. At the end of the tour, Lexie shared about her journey through athletics and fielded questions from our group. Our next stop was at the brand new Player 15 Group office building in downtown Phoenix. Player 15 Group includes several companies that own and operate the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Valley Suns. The office building is state of the art, and a brand new facility for front office staff to work. We received a tour of the facility from two USG members, Luke Unverferth and Kyle Gaspari. Luke and Kyle both work in the sales department as Account Executives. The tour included a comprehensive walk-through of the entire facility, including explanations of how the space will be used by front office staff! We concluded our time with Luke and Kyle by hearing about their career journeys, how they have been able to share their faith in a secular work environment, and with a time of Q&A. Our final stop of the day was right next door at Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Our group was able to hear from two Diamondbacks staff members, including the Coordinator of Community Relations & Partner Programs, Taylor Merwin; and the Vice President of Government Affairs, Amilyn Pierce. Both Taylor and Amilyn shared their personal testimonies, as well as diving into their career journeys. Our time at Chase Field concluded with a tour of the ballpark! We concluded Saturday with dinner and a group social event at the Phoenix Suns' home opener against the Dallas Mavericks! It was a joy to spend quality time with one another and continue to fellowship as the body of Christ within the sport industry!  Another core value that we have at Uncommon Sports Group is living “connected” and the best way to do that is to be connected to a local church body! Attending a local church during the weekend emphasizes the importance of the community and discipleship that the church can provide. Each participant is officially a member of Uncommon Sports Group because of their completion of the Impact Weekend, and we’re encouraged by the ways that God grew each individual throughout the weekend.  We’re incredibly appreciative of our Clean Out For A Cause donors for their generosity and for making events like these possible. As we send these new USG members out, we’re confident that they are prepared and equipped to be Christ-centered leaders within the college and pro sport industry. Learn more about the USG Academy , Impact Weekends , or membership ! If you have any questions, contact a USG staff member here !

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. One way that USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend conferences, conventions, and events that develop them as followers of Christ and sport industry professionals. Earlier this month, USG funded three USG members with the opportunity to attend the Women Leaders in Sports National Convention in Baltimore, MD, on October 13-15. The Women Leaders in Sports Convention offers women working in the sport industry an opportunity to learn from keynote speakers and connect with over a thousand women working across the industry. One of our members who attended the convention was Therese VanderPutten . She currently serves as the Director of Facilities and Events at Kansas University. Below is Therese's testimony on her experience at the Women Leaders in Sports Convention: "This past weekend I received the opportunity to travel to Baltimore from Kansas to Attend the Women Leaders in Sports Convention with two fellow Uncommon Sports Group members. This was the second time I was honored to attend this conference and my first time in the state of Maryland. As an aspiring female working in sports, this experience provided me with encouragement, knowledge, and confidence to stay firm in my values as a professional and Christian while I grow in my role at Kansas. Throughout the trip I was able to connect with other women in all fields and all levels of sports; ranging from recreational to collegiate to professional, from operations to business to compliance, and everywhere in between. We were honored to hear from amazing women: Molly Fletcher, Allison Barber, Jilly, and others; build our knowledge and break barriers with groups and panels in discussing topics like NIL, revenue sharing, navigating work-life integration, and transferring your skills in different levels of sports; and most importantly- connect with other like-minded individuals about the work we do each and every day. The entire experience of the conference was elevated from the people I was connected with through Uncommon Sports Group. After each day of workshops, notes, and networking, I was able to re-charge and connect with two other wonderful women who allowed me to debrief the day with a humble and transparent heart. Gaining perspective from their respective areas of sport while understanding our shared foundation of faith through the Lord sparked a bond that I am forever grateful to have through this organization. As I am settling back into my day-to-day events at KU, I am reminded and ever so grateful that I was able to reconnect with an old friend I traveled to Israel with and start, what I believe to be, a strong fulfilling friendship with another. Thank you, USG, for sponsoring me to attend Women Leaders in Sports 2024." It was encouraging to see how Therese was impacted both professionally and spiritually by attending the Women Leaders in Sports Convention earlier this month. If you would like to learn more about USG's community and connect with other Christians in sports, like Therese, tap the link here !

Tad Glibert had a promising start to his career in college basketball with Northwestern Men's Basketball as a Graduate Assistant and Assistant Director of Operations. Though his future was bright, Tad and his wife decided to step away from pursuing a career in hoops to serve as missionaries in Malawi. After serving in Malawi for three years, Tad and his wife returned to the United States and college basketball. Currently, Tad is serving as the Chief of Staff and Director of Operations with Oklahoma Men's Basketball. In this episode, Tad discusses how his time serving as a missionary has impacted his approach to working in college athletics! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

Generosity is not simply a good habit, in the Christian life, it is a sign of a transformed heart. As followers of Christ, we are called to model the generosity of Christ towards us. But how do we cultivate a lifestyle of giving that goes beyond occasional acts of charity and becomes a natural expression of our faith? In this blog, we will explore eight different ways that you can begin to make generosity and giving a consistent part of your walk as a follower of Christ! 1. Understanding God’s Generosity Christians are called to emulate the character traits of their God. 1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” In his earthly life, Jesus exemplified a life of generosity. Stories such as feeding the five thousand, serving widows, providing a catch of fish to Peter, and healing the sick are a display of the generosity of God. The finished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross is the greatest example of God’s generosity towards mankind. As followers of Jesus, it is required of us that we exemplify His generosity. When we recognize and reflect on the magnitude of the generosity that God has shown us in giving us His Son Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, it transforms our view of giving. It will no longer be a religious obligation, but an expression of joy in the gospel. 2. Heart of Gratitude Generosity flows from the heart, and cannot be drummed up from compulsion. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul admonishes the church to give from their heart, not under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). When we take the time to reflect on the ways in which the Lord has blessed us in our lives, specifically through the gospel, it allows us to grow in heartfelt generosity. A thankful heart is one that no longer views generosity as a burden but as an opportunity to bless others and honor God. 3. Shifting From Ownership to Stewardship It is easy in American culture to adopt the mindset that everything you work for is earned from hard work, and therefore belongs to you. Oftentimes, a reason that people choose not to be generous is because they feel that their hard work doesn’t deserve to be in the hands of anyone else but themselves.  However, as Christians, it is important to recognize that we are not owners, but stewards. Scripture makes it clear that everything belongs to God (Deuteronomy 10:14). Therefore, nothing that we have (finances, material possessions, talents) belongs to us, but rather belongs to God. This perspective removes us from being able to adopt the American mindset that lacks generosity and instead pushes us to be faithful and generous stewards of the things that ultimately belong to God. 4. Small Steps of Faithfulness Generosity is often measured in the grandness of what was given. Someone may be deemed more generous because they are able to give more. However, generosity does not always require grand gestures but can be done in small and consistent acts of giving. In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sheds light on this truth that generosity is done in small steps of faithfulness. In these verses, Jesus observes many people putting large amounts of money into the temple treasury. But a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth only a few cents. In verses 43-44, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on.” Though the amount of her giving seemed insignificant, it came from a place of deep faith and sacrifice. If we are faithful in small acts of faithful generosity, we will grow into larger acts of generosity. 5. Trusting God’s Provision An all too common reason that Christians do not give is a fear that their personal needs will not be met. However, the Scriptures remind us that God is faithful to provide for our needs. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” When Christians give, especially during times of uncertainty, they demonstrate a strong faith in God’s provision. Generosity not only benefits your own faith but strengthens the faith of those around you who see your trust in the Lord. 6. Living with Open Hands Generosity requires an open hands mentality. It is nearly impossible to plan for opportunities to be generous. Rather, they come unexpectedly and require quick action. In His life, Jesus exemplified this ability to be open hands with opportunities to be generous. In Matthew 9:18-26 Jesus’ willingness to have open hands is on display. While Jesus was teaching about fasting, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and asked him to come and heal his daughter who had just died. Instead of telling the leader that he was busy teaching, Jesus got up immediately to meet this need that the leader had. Furthermore, while he was going to the leader’s home a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years touched his cloak and asked for healing. Without hesitation, Jesus honored the woman’s faith and healed her sickness. Living with open hands is about being aware of the needs around us and responding with compassion. Jesus Himself lived this way, constantly serving others and meeting their needs. We are called to do the same, using our resources to uplift those who are hurting, to serve the church, and to bring hope to a world in need. 7. Giving Beyond Finances Financial giving is important, but generosity goes beyond our wallets. Generosity can be given through our time and talents, as well. For many young people, giving financially is a challenge. Therefore, seeking opportunities to be generous beyond finances is a way to continue exemplifying God’s generosity when financial resources are limited. Furthermore, Jesus did not simply show generosity by providing resources, but He was generous with his time and talents throughout His earthly ministry. 8. The Eternal Impact of Giving Generosity in the Christian life does not only have an impact in the present time but will also have an eternal impact. Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46 that those who display generosity are not just serving a brother or sister, but they are also serving Him. Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”” Our giving touches lives, changes hearts, and builds the Kingdom of God here on earth. What we give today, in faith, continues to bear fruit for eternity. Conclusion Developing a lifestyle of generosity is not about how much we have, but how much we are willing to give of ourselves. It’s a journey of trusting God, practicing gratitude, and living with open hands. As we grow in generosity, we reflect more of God’s heart to the world, becoming vessels of His love and provision. And in giving, we often find that we are the ones most blessed. Let us, as Christians, strive to live lives marked by generosity, knowing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us closer to the heart of Christ. If you would like to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group, or get involved with our ministries, tap the link here !

There are countless books and podcasts that talk about leadership. However, as Christians, there is no better template for leadership than Jesus Christ. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the Texas Rangers Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations, Dayton Moore, discusses how his faith has directed his leadership throughout his career. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

It can feel daunting, and even frightening, to approach the topic of politics as a Christian. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the Assistant Professor of Biblical and Historical Studies at Bethlehem College & Seminary, Timotée Davi, discusses how Christians should engage with the difficult, and often divisive, topic of politics. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .

One of the most common questions that come from skeptics of the Christian faith is “If God exists, why does human suffering and evil exist in the world?” This question is not only common among skeptics of the Christian faith but among Christians themselves. Why would a good God allow so much pain and suffering in the world? This is a loaded question with many answers, and thankfully, God has provided us with clarity in the Scriptures as to why He would allow pain and suffering in the world. In this blog, we will unpack the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11 and how this account helps us understand why God allows suffering and evil in the world. God’s Timing is Purposeful In John 11, the apostle John records the story of Jesus miraculously raising a man named Lazarus from the dead. This man named Lazarus was the brother of Mary and Martha, both who were friends of Jesus. It is recorded in John 12 that the same Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. It is evident in the passage that Jesus was close to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Early in John 11, both Martha and Mary come to Jesus to tell him that his friend Lazarus is sick (John 11:3). Jesus responds unexpectedly in John 11:5-6: “Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.” The response that would be expected from Jesus upon hearing that Lazarus was sick is immediate action to heal him. However, we see the exact opposite response. Instead of going quickly to visit Lazarus, Jesus decided to stay where He was for two more days. Why would Jesus not immediately go to heal Lazarus? Verse 5 gives us insight into Jesus’ deep love for Martha and Mary, which rules out any temptation to believe that Jesus ignored the suffering of Lazarus because He simply did not care. His love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is clear throughout this chapter. So, Jesus must have had a good purpose in waiting to go visit Lazarus. In verses 14-15, it is made clear that Jesus was waiting for the sickness to take Lazarus’ life. Furthermore, Jesus states in verse 15, “And for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Jesus’ timing was purposeful. While Martha and Mary desired Jesus to come to heal Lazarus right away, Jesus had a timing that was even better and more purposeful. Martha and Mary did exactly what most Christians do in response to pain or suffering. They asked their Lord for help. However, Jesus was not on their timetable and he is not on ours either. While Martha and Mary may have expected immediate action from Jesus, He had a more perfect timing that would provide a greater eternal impact. It is made clear in John 11:15 that Jesus waited to go up to see Lazarus until he had died because He planned on raising Him from the dead, which would lead many to believe in Him as God’s Messiah. In seasons of our own suffering, it is imperative that we trust God’s timing in providing a resolution to the suffering because He has a far greater timetable that is purposed for His glory and the expansion of His Kingdom. God Has Compassion For Human Suffering In seasons in which people are facing suffering or loss, it is easy to conclude that God does not care. If he did care, he would do something about it. However, the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11 paints an entirely different picture and shows clearly the deep compassion that the Lord has for people experiencing pain or loss. After Jesus was told that Lazarus was severely ill, he waited a few days before going to see him. In verse 32, we see that Mary approached Jesus upon his arrival. She was moved to tears and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” While this is not clearly stated, it is implied that Mary is expressing her frustration with Jesus’ late arrival. It sounds very similar to the complaints of many others who have experienced pain or loss, “God, if you would have done something, this would not have happened.” Though Mary may have been frustrated, Jesus does not does not correct her. Instead, we see that Jesus is moved to do two things upon seeing Mary’s emotions. First, in verse 34, Jesus asks where they have laid the body of Lazarus. Jesus was moved to do something about the suffering that Mary and Martha were experiencing. Even though Jesus was not working on Mary’s and Martha’s timetable, he still desired to respond to their pleas on behalf of their brother Lazarus. Second, in verse 35, we see Jesus moved to tears. In fact, the Scriptures record that “Jesus wept.” Jesus’ response to Mary’s pain was compassion, a compassion that was so deep that it moved him to tears. It is quite amazing that the Son of God would respond this way, and it tells us something about the character of our God.  Even though Jesus knew that He would soon bring Lazarus back to life, He was still compassionate for the suffering that Mary and Martha were enduring.  This tells us that God Himself is not ignorant to human suffering, but rather cares deeply about our suffering. The tears of Jesus are evidence of God’s deep compassion amid human suffering. God Receives Glory in Suffering Many people ask, “Why does God even allow people to suffer?” While there are many reasons that we may not fully know, the account of Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11 helps us understand why God may allow suffering to occur. First, it is important to establish the fact that God is never the cause of suffering. James 1:13 teaches us that God cannot be tempted to do evil. God does not just act good, He is the standard of good and cannot commit evil. Therefore, suffering is a cause of the sin of mankind in a fallen world. God is not the cause of suffering, but in His sovereignty, He may allow suffering to occur. Back in John 11:4, Jesus says something interesting in response to Mary’s and Martha’s message that Lazarus was sick. Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Right away, Jesus makes it clear that the sickness Lazarus was facing would be purposed to glorify the Son of God. This teaches us that God can use suffering in the world for a good purpose, just as He did with Lazarus’ sickness. In John 11:42 and John 11:45, we see how Jesus was glorified in Lazarus’ suffering. Just before Jesus performs the miracle of raising Lazarus, He states in verse 42, “I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” Furthermore, in verse 45, after Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead the Scriptures state, “Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” It is made clear in both of these verses that God’s ultimate purpose in the death of Lazarus was to cause the people mourning Him to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. It was because of Lazarus’ death that Jesus received glory and that many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary came to believe in Him. Conclusion It is difficult to make sense of suffering, no matter how you spin it. However, the account of Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11 helps us understand suffering in the world a bit more. This story reveals to us that God’s timing is purposeful in suffering, that God has great compassion for human suffering, and that God can use human suffering for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. If you would like to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group, or get involved with our ministries, tap the link here !

How did we get the Bible that we have today? This is a common question among Christians and even skeptics of the Christian faith. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the Assistant Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Peter Gurry, helps us answer this question. Specifically, Dr. Gurry talks about how the Bible was copied, how the Biblical canon was formed, and how the Bible has been translated. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join our community of Christian leaders working in the college and pro sport industry? Learn how you can get involved with USG here .