In 2010, the FIFA World Cup was held in Africa for the very first time. Soccer fans all over the world turned their sights, and their TV’s, to watch Africa shine. African soccer players were thrilled and honored for the privilege to be playing on their homeland soil during this emotional event. Among them was Eyong Enoh, key defensive midfielder for the Cameroon national team, known to his teammates as “The Pastorâ€� due to his discipline and devotedness to God; he never missed an opportunity to share his faith with others. In an interview, he shared that in Cameroon, people didn’t think it was possible for a Christian to successfully play soccer because of the temptations surrounding the sport. As with any sport, there was also the danger of allowing the fame of the career to become an idol; an issue that Eyong was facing firsthand. He remembered how God spoke to him saying: “I am going to use you as an example to the world, to be a Christian in the world of soccer, but first you must stop worshiping soccer.â€� It was at this point that Eyong Enoh knew that to truly be a successful footballer he needed to realize that he was performing for an audience of one. God had given him the chance and the gift to use soccer for His gloryâ€"every goal, every win, any attention he received was for God’s glory alone. Colossians 1:16 gave him the freedom to say: “All things were made for Him and by Himâ€�. God had shown Eyong that he would use him to preach the Gospel to many people and that He would use soccer as the vehicle.²

We have all faced some sort of opposition when it comes to living out our Christian faith. It’s easy to feel nervous and even fearful when we worry about what others might think or say about us. But when we realize that the only opinion that matters is God’s, we can boldly live out our faith for an audience of one.

Suggested prayer: Dear Lord, Any opposition I face on this earth is nothing compared to the humiliation and physical pain you bore for me. Give me the strength to be bold for you and for your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Colossians 1:16 (ESV).

2.    @BallersinGod

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.