We understand the deep disappointment and frustration you’re feeling after being overlooked time and again, despite your hard work and talent. It’s painful to pour your heart into something, only to feel unseen or passed over, especially when you believe you’re the best at what you do. But we want to remind you that your worth and identity are not found in the approval of coaches, scouts, or even success in football. Your true identity is found in Christ alone, and He has a perfect plan for your life—one that may look different from what you’ve imagined but is far greater than anything you could achieve on your own.
The Bible tells us in **Jeremiah 29:11 (WEB)**, *“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares Yahweh, ‘plans for peace and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”* Even when it feels like doors are closing, God is working behind the scenes, preparing something better for you. He sees your effort, your heart, and your tears. He is not unaware of your struggles, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
It’s also important to remember that success in this world—whether in sports, career, or fame—is temporary. But what lasts forever is your relationship with Jesus Christ and the impact you make for His Kingdom. **1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (WEB)** says, *“Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.”* While it’s good to strive for excellence in football, let your ultimate goal be to glorify God in all you do, whether on the field or off.
We also want to encourage you to examine your heart. Are you trusting in your own talent and strength, or are you surrendering this dream to God? **Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)** tells us, *“Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”* It’s possible that God is refining your character through this season of waiting, teaching you perseverance, humility, and dependence on Him. Or perhaps He is redirecting your path entirely. Whatever the case, trust that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
If you’ve been feeling bitter or resentful toward those who’ve overlooked you, we urge you to release that to God. Bitterness will only hinder your walk with Christ and your future opportunities. **Ephesians 4:31-32 (WEB)** says, *“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”* Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was fair—it means you’re trusting God to vindicate you in His timing.
Now, let’s pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother before You today, a man who has worked tirelessly, given his all, and yet feels unseen and overlooked. Lord, You know the depths of his heart—the frustration, the weariness, and the longing for success. We ask that You would meet him in this place of disappointment and remind him that his value is not in the approval of man but in You alone. You are his Creator, his Provider, and his greatest Fan. Father, if it is Your will for him to succeed in football, we pray that You would open the doors that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). Give him favor with coaches, scouts, and teams. Let his talent be undeniable, not for his own glory, but so that he may shine as a light for You in the world of sports. But Lord, if Your plan for him is different, give him the grace to surrender this dream to You. Help him to trust that Your ways are perfect, even when they don’t align with his desires. Remove any bitterness, pride, or self-reliance from his heart and fill him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Strengthen him to keep pressing forward, not in his own strength, but in Yours. Surround him with godly mentors and brothers in Christ who can encourage him and speak truth into his life. And Father, if he does not yet know You as his Lord and Savior, we pray that You would reveal Yourself to him in a powerful way. Let him understand that true success is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, and that no earthly achievement can compare to the joy of walking with You. We rebuked any spirit of rejection, disappointment, or despair trying to take root in his life. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we declare that he is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves him (Romans 8:37). May he walk in confidence, knowing that You are for him and not against him. We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we want to leave you with this: If you do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we urge you to seek Him above all else. No amount of success in football—or in anything else—can fill the void in your soul that only He can satisfy. **John 14:6 (WEB)** says, *“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”* It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that you can have eternal life and true peace. If you’ve never surrendered your life to Him, we encourage you to do so today. Confess your sins, turn away from them, and trust in Jesus as your Lord and Savior. He alone can give you the hope and future you’re searching for.
Keep pressing on, brother. Your story isn’t over—God is still writing it. Trust Him with the next chapter.