Tim Tebow’s Eye-Catching Faith

Tim Tebow is a sports name known to any pro football enthusiast. He’s back-up quarterback for the Denver Broncos and a probable starter this year. He was the first to win the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore when he played at the University of Florida and led the Florida Gators to two national championships.

He also gained unique fame in an ad that aired during Super Bowl XLIV. A brief and subtle few seconds deftly showed how Tim’s mother didn’t abort her baby even though doctors recommended it for problematical reasons. Pro-choicers harshly criticized the ad even before it was aired but its simple inoffensive message left critics embarrassed. Its message was simply that avoiding an abortion brought a football superstar into being.

Tim has grown into a football player who loves the Lord and is unashamed of Him to the extent that he paints Scripture verses on his black eye paint to the curious amazement of football watchers around the world. Tim’s full testimony is printed in his best selling book, “Through My Eyes.” In TV interviews, he tells how he had “Phil. 4:13” written on his eye paint while he won his final college year’s regular games. That verse reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
For the national championship, Tim painted in “John 3:16”. His parents were pleased. His coach was worried about the change but went along, deferring to Tim’s choice. He won with John 3:16 as he had with Philippians 4:13. During that game, 94 million people Googled “John 3:16”. It set a record. Tim’s response was, “Wow, how are 94 million people not knowing John 3:16? It’s really awesome to see how God can work in a very unique way when you just trust Him and put a little Bible verse under your eyes.”

And to think that if Tim’s mother had taken the advice of the doctors, she’d have aborted her son and you wouldn’t be reading about him now.

I don’t have paint under my eyes, but I know John 3:16 is the best hope of everyone. And so, no matter who is reading here, it is John 3:16 again, “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Believe it and have it!

Dave Virkler