James Laurinaitis

Linebacker :: Ohio State

 

People look at football players and often think these guys are never afraid or intimidated. But, the truth is that my biggest fear before I go out in “The Shoe” (The Ohio State University football stadium) is that I might trip and fall. All kidding aside, when I am on the sidelines I wonder, am I going to be good enough today, did I prepare enough…what about the unknown? That is why I spend time in prayer.

Psalm 16:8 says, “Because I see the Lord at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” I truly believe in that. It is my belief in Christ that He has blessed me enough to handle whatever I face…on that day. It is the same in life. None of us are really good enough. That is why we need Jesus. In Jesus’ eyes we are all the same. We all need forgiveness.

Another verse in 2 Corinthians 12 says, “(Jesus speaking) ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties…for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

On the football field it is perfectly normal to be nervous before and during a game. That is why you will often find me taking a knee and talking to the Lord. Having faith in God gives me confidence in all the things that I face in life. Even though I may not be perfect, He is always there for me. If I am having a rough practice or whatever, I know that I can talk to Him about it.

Jesus Christ is my best friend. My relationship with God helps me appreciate everything He has blessed me with. I became a Christian because He is the greatest friend anyone could ever have. He is the only One who can and will forgive you for everything. He is everything to me.

Football will end someday. But, my faith in Jesus Christ lasts forever. It’s a tremendous feeling to know that I have eternal life and I don’t have to be perfect to gain that. I am not scared of death anymore; I am not scared of what comes afterward. I am excited for eternal life.

 

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