“After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David.” — 1 Samuel 18:1 (NLT)
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
As chaplain of an SEC football program, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people. I love catching up before games with my friends who serve as chaplains at their respective schools. We spend time sharing updates in life and work, but rarely do we ever part without praying for each other, our coaches and players, and the game before us.
In this type of ministry, friends are vital. Though people can see the sidelines, buses, planes and logoed gear you wear every day, they don’t see how we are tasked with so many things that aren’t in the public eye.
And on top of it, many, like me, are missionaries and we must raise our own support each year. I’ve learned how important it is to have guys in your corner whom you can confide in and whom you know will pray for you.
First Samuel 18-19 tells the story of the friendship of David and Jonathan. No doubt, King Saul (Jonathan’s father) hated David and wanted him dead, but because of the friendship they had built, Jonathan did everything he could to protect David simply because David was his friend.
More than ever before, we need a Jonathan in our corner. We need that person we can confide in and who will have our back. That person who loves us, prays for us, encourages us and even reprimands us when we need it. If you have that type of person in your life, thank them today. And if not, pray that the Lord would send someone like that to do life with.
— Scott Nicholson, Mississippi State football chaplain
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
