After a heartbreaking loss, Alabama star receiver Germie Bernard chose to give glory to Jesus Christ.
Most of us have experienced this. We prepare as best we can, we put our trust in God, and expect a positive outcome. But we do not get what we dreamed of.
This is where our true faith is tested. God wants us to be grateful in all seasons.
In this story, an athlete chose to praise God even after losing the game, and his story is truly inspiring.
The Alabama Crimson Tide played Indiana in the Rose Bowl for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. It was a very tough game for Alabama. They trailed 17-0 at halftime and eventually lost the game 38-3.
This was the largest margin of defeat for the school since 1998.
Germie Bernard did not let the scoreboard change his heart. He led the offense with 60 receiving yards during the game. He had a great season with 64 receptions and seven touchdowns.
After the game ended, he sat at the press conference with teammate Tim Keenan III and coach Kalen DeBoer.
Bernard wore eye black with “Matthew 6:33” written on his face. This Bible verse tells us to seek the kingdom of God first.
As the interview was ending, he asked to speak one more time. He did not talk about the plays or the mistakes. Instead, he used that opportunity to praise God.
“I just want to give glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for allowing us to have this opportunity, for allowing this team to be here together in California and to enjoy this moment,” Bernard said. He looked past the loss to see the blessings. He was thankful that his teammates were able to walk off the field healthy.
“Even though it didn’t go the way we wanted, it’s still a lot to be grateful for. You know, grateful for guys like TK [Keenan], he went through injury and was able to play throughout the season. So guys were able to play in this game that weren’t healthy throughout the whole year, and we’re able to walk off the field healthy. So it’s just a lot to be grateful for – and I just want to give glory to Jesus Christ for this opportunity,” Bernard told the reporters.
His teammate Tim Keenan III added, “Thank God always.”
Bernard has always been open about his faith. He even helped lead a worship night at the stadium in October that drew 2,000 people.
It is beautiful to see a young man standing firm in his faith even though things did not end as expected. Let us cultivate a grateful heart as we remember what God has done in our lives.
Our worth is found in His love and not in our earthly achievements or losses.
WATCH: Alabama Player Praises Jesus After Heartbreaking Playoff Defeat
