Adversity: A Blessing in Disguise!

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been attempting to answer the question: Why do bad things happen to good people? The Bible teaches us that God uses hardships and trials to develop character in us. When we possess character and perseverance, we will bring glory to God even in our most difficult moments. Without character and perseverance, we will never bring glory to God when we suffer.

On October 6th, in a football game against the University of North Carolina, Florida State University field goal kicker Dustin Hopkins missed two field goals in the fourth quarter. He pushed the potential game winner—a 40 yarder from the middle of the field—wide to the right.

After he and teammates listened to coach Jimbo Fisher’s postgame speech, Hopkins cracked open his Bible and read Psalm 34:18. It says: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

While most players will avoid reporters after not performing well on the field, Hopkins chose to speak to the media and answer their questions. When asked why he decided to talk to the media Hopkins said: “There's a lot of stuff I'd rather do than talk about this," he said. "But I'm going to give you the honest answer. I think God just puts us in some situations with highs and lows. And sometimes, you can affect more people with how you react in your low time than you can in your highs."

"So if I can affect just one person through Christ and how I handle the situation, then that's what I'm here for."

Near the conclusion of his post game interview, running back Jermaine Thomas grabbed Hopkins and whispered in his ear for several moments. Hopkins eyes watered when asked about the conversation. “That was probably the closest I came to crying the whole night,” Hopkins said. “He just said that he loved me and the other guys on the team love me.”

It seems Dustin Hopkins is affecting more than one person through Christ!

Though most of his teammates already had showered and changed, Hopkins still was wearing his uniform. He had answered questions for well over 10 minutes.

“This is just a blessing in disguise,” he said. “For sure.”

How can having the worst game of your college football career be a blessing in disguise? It can be blessing when you know that character and perseverance are developed during times of adversity. It can be a blessing when you know that the crown of glory is attained on the road of suffering. It can be a blessing when you understand your greater purpose in life is to be a witness for Jesus Christ in every situation.

One week later, during a night game against the Clemson Tigers, and with the Seminoles’ ACC Championship hopes hanging in the balance, Dustin Hopkins was once again called upon to kick the game winning field goal with three seconds remaining on the clock. This time his attempt would be from a terrifying 55 yards away
.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Dustin Hopkins kick sailed right through the middle of the uprights as the time ran out on the game clock. The Seminoles won 16-13!

Dustin Hopkins two missed field goals during the North Carolina game gave him an opportunity to glorify Christ in his time of suffering. It also gave him the opportunity to develop more character and perseverance. Finally, it gave him an opportunity to witness about his Christian faith.

Coach Fisher told a reporter after the victory over Clemson, with tears in his eyes, that there is nobody else in the country he would rather have kick a field goal for him with the game on the line. He said he knew Dustin had the ability to make the field goal from that long distance. Wiping the tears from his eyes, Coach Fisher then said: “He’s (Dustin Hopkins) even a better person than player.”

It seems Dustin Hopkins is affecting more than one person through Christ! What a blessing in disguise!

(This blog referenced comments from Ira Schoffel's article on Tallahassee.com called "Hopkins comforted by verse, teammates") Great article Ira!