Is Anything Too Small for God?

by Dan Bouchelle

I recently watched a post-game interview in which Oklahoma University’s Coach John Blake gave credit to God for helping him in the Sooners game with their arch-rivals—the Texas Longhorns. Blake did not presume to claim God was on the side of the Sooners (though many in Norman believe God wears crimson and cream on Saturdays). Blake merely gave God credit for the strength he and his players displayed in the game. I see no reason someone from the Texas bench could not make the same claim about the source of the considerable strength they also displayed.

But the following Tuesday, on a sports radio talk show, some of the callers criticized Blake for dragging his faith into the public arena. Some were put off that Blake mentioned his faith at all. One man criticized Blake for talking as if God cared about football. He indicated that football is too trivial a matter for God to notice.

First, why is it inappropriate to discuss faith in the public marketplace? Where did the notion come from that religion should be a completely private matter? Religion that is real cannot be hidden any more than you can hide an elephant in a Volkswagen, because it shapes a person’s whole life. When a reporter sticks a camera in the face of a devout athlete or coach and wants to know his thoughts, should he only be permitted to share secular thoughts? If his primary thought is gratitude to God, why hide that? I don’t know John Blake, but I take offense at the notion that people of faith should hide what is most precious to them and talk like atheists in the public arena.

Second, while God is great beyond all comprehension, he is not unconcerned with little things. Jesus said he cares about sparrows. He numbers the hairs of our heads. Paul tells us, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Paul said to do all things in Jesus’ name because God is the One who gives us the strength to open our eyelids in the morning, to brush our teeth that night, and to do everything in between. Our God is not only a God of the religious and profound; he is Lord of all. We can pray to him about international crises or about our lost car keys.

All our strength comes from God. Whatever our occupation—preacher  or football coach, plumber, lawyer, teacher, construction worker, or secretary, all praise goes to God for giving us the strength to go on each day in ways that honor him, big and small.