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[Nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord

(Romans 8:39). Bonus Reading: Romans 8:35-39

Shortly after he placed his faith in Christ at a Young Life summer camp, Kyle Rote, Jr., a Texas All-State defensive back, played as the starting quarterback in Highland Park's opening game in Fort Worth. Today, he laments that performance but recalls the memorable lessons:

"I completed seven of seven passes, but four were to the other team," the former three-time superstar winner agonizes. "Plus, I had two fumbles, and we ended up losing a game we should have won.

"No one wanted to talk to me and said they were afraid of catching the 'interception disease.' I felt isolated. The coaches were angry at the entire team's effort, but especially with me. But the Young Life leader sought me out, hugged me tight, looked me in the eyes and said, 'It's okay. God loves you as much right now as he always has.'

"It was that disaster that confirmed for me the presence of a living God and his unconditional love versus a performance-based love from friends, teammates and coaches. It set the stage for my athletic success because I then knew I could risk failure. My identity would not be based on whether I won or lost."

Path to Victory

When have you sensed God's unconditional love?

There is no loneliness greater than the loneliness of failure. The failure is a stranger in his own house.

Eric Hoffer (AUTHOR)

Credits: Adapted from--Friday: It Is Toward Evening (Revell, 1968)

1999 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or e-mail mail@menofintegrity.net.
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