“I always give God the glory. I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life. And I know that, if nothing else, I’m standing on the rock.”
The brilliance behind Colt McCoy’s words lies not in the strength and faith of the young man himself, though he is to be commended. His parents, Brad and Debra McCoy, are to be applauded for raising a young man who exhibits such spiritual maturity in a public forum. But they are not the ultimate source of praise. To heed Colt’s words is to give the glory to God. Before the second-largest BCS Championship TV viewership in its 12-year history, McCoy turned everyone’s attention not toward his team’s loss, Alabama’s victory, or even his dangling numb right arm. He humbled himself—and each of us—before the God whose power is perfected in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Our trust in the power of the Lord is not as impacting on others in times of great success. McCoy’s words would have been inspiring had he said them from the mid-field podium with burnt orange confetti stuck to his championship cap. But they hold immeasurable value because he said them with the podium—covered by crimson confetti and the other team—standing in the distance. Holding a trophy, those words might seem predictable; but injured and to the side, they are unforgettable.
When Jesus finds Mary and Martha worried about the health of their brother, Lazarus, they are unaware of the loss they are about to experience. Yet Jesus offers these words of direction, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Through Lazarus’ death, the grief of Mary, Martha, and Jesus, and the ensuing raising of Lazarus, many Jews believed in Jesus (John 11:38). We must not assume that things must go as we plan, envision, or dream in order for our lives to most glorify God.
During the game, several brethren on Twitter prayed for McCoy’s health and were hopeful for his return to the game. Though God didn’t answer their prayers with Colt’s return, a Texas victory, or a storybook ending to a fantastic career and season, he did work things together for good more than we could have imagined. With four sentences that evening, a 23-year-old young man defined dependence on God for an audience of millions.
We should remember that God takes the pieces of shattered dreams and broken hearts and molds moments of glory more beautiful than gold, silver, diamonds, and on some occasions, crystal.
[...] 3. Joey Sparks obviously feels guilty about pulling for Alabama in the BCS Championship Game and is trying to make up for it by writing about Colt McCoy’s post-game interview. Just kidding. Joey puts some great thoughts to Colt’s words in “Give God the Glory.” [...]
[...] 3. Joey Sparks obviously feels guilty about pulling for Alabama in the BCS Championship Game and is trying to make up for it by writing about Colt McCoy’s post-game interview. Just kidding. Joey puts some great thoughts to Colt’s words in “Give God the Glory.” [...]