Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
On October 18, 2002, Jake Porter, 17, was a member of the
Northwest High football team in McDermott, Ohio. Jake was born with chromosomal
fragile X syndrome, a common cause of mental retardation. He couldn't read or
write, but he loved football and he faithfully attended every practice.
Northwest coach Dave Frantz wanted to do something special for Jake. So before
the game on October 18, against Waverly High, Frantz called his friend Derek
Dewitt, the head coach at Waverly. Frantz suggested that both teams allow Jake
to run one play at the end of the game, assuming the game wasn't on the line.
Jake would get the ball and take a knee, and the game would end. So, with
Waverly leading 42-0 and five seconds left in the game, Frantz called a
timeout.
Jake trotted out to the huddle, and the two coaches met
at midfield. But a disagreement broke out between the coaches. Waverly's Dewitt
wanted Jake to score a touchdown, not merely take a knee. Dewitt called his
defense over and said, "They're going to give the ball to number 45. Do
not touch him! Open up a hole and let him score! Understand?" The ball was
snapped and Jake was about to kneel when his teammates stopped him and told him
to run. Suddenly, the Waverly defense parted like peasants for the king and
cheered him to the end zone. Players on both sidelines held their helmets to
the sky and whooped. Jake had the run of his life, scoring the touchdown heard
round the world, all because of Dewitt's unselfish decision: "I want him
to score."
Like coach Dewitt, God has high purposes for each of us.
He wants us to score a touchdown. Will you score your touchdown today? Will you be the tool that helps somebody else
score a touchdown?
Dear Lord, thank You for the great plans You have for our
life. Help us seek and follow you today
and all of your life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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