May 13, 2018

Rashad Jennings
May 13, 2018
With Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

Children are constantly asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Although some—like Rashad Jennings—know what they want, the majority are clueless as the options are so numerous. Does a memory surface for anyone?

Today we are privileged to have Rashad on the platform, in a dialogue with Pastor Jonathan. Rashad, a Forest, VA. native, has gone from a small community lifestyle to being a Hollywood/NFL household name, all the while maintaining his Christian testimony of living for Jesus Christ. The amazing highlights of his life show what God can do with a heart that is sold out to Him!

Key Verse: Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

 

Discussion:

A Child Hurts

Rashad shared that his early childhood reflected a very low self-image, even though he was surrounded with two loving, older brothers, and a wonderful mom. He was overweight, with red-rimmed glasses, no interest in academics, and the target of bullies.

  • Read Psalm 139:13-16. Why is it so important to present to children (or even adults who are not familiar with the Bible) how much God values them?
  • Can someone share how your life would have been different had you known God loves you with an unconditional love?
  • Read Luke 1:15 and Galatians 1:15. It is easy to look back at Rashad’s life and see God’s hand through the lows and eventual highs that made him the man he is. What are some of the ways you can identify with this in your own life?

 

A Child is Challenged

As Rashad continued his testimony, he revealed that his father, out of work and on disability, depended on cigarettes and alcohol to get through the days. Rashad developed asthma, and the smoke would send him into attacks that were life-threatening. When he begged his dad to stop smoking, he was challenged to become an NFL star without depending on those two addictions.

  • Why would seeing the effects of alcohol and smoking trigger a desire in a child’s heart to avoid those things in his own life? Can you think of an example you can share?
  • Read Proverbs 17:6b Why would the challenge from his father have caused Rashad to show him that he could rise above his dad’s expectations? Have you ever faced a challenge like that?

 

A Child Begins to Grow Up

As years passed, Rashad kept his love for football, as the #5 running back for his team. When a scout saw a play that featured Rashad when other players were hurt (which was ultimately God’s hand on his career), Rashad got his big break, with his life changing when the scout told him he saw he had great potential.

  • Ezra 7:28b says, “So I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.”   This could have been Rashad’s testimony at that time. Why is encouragement such a tremendous keyword in Christianity?
  • Have you had a time when someone’s word of encouragement changed the course of your life? Can you share?

 

Pulling Together

The words of the scout became a turning point in Rashad’s life, as his family rallied to make the desires of his heart become a reality. His brothers and his parents made financial sacrifices to get him a diploma, and soon he was in the NFL. His relationship with his father took a turn toward a solid bond of love.

  • Read Eccl. 4:12. Why is it so important to add people to our lives who can be called upon to be there for us during the good times as well as the bad?
  • Think of the people whom you influence. Can you say you’re there for them whenever they need you? What can you do to help them realize their potential?

 

Getting the Desires of Your Heart

From the time Rashad achieved a position as a running back for the NFL, he was aware his heart and ability belonged to God, and his goal was to glorify Him.

  • Read Psalm 86. What is our responsibility? The Shorter Catechism says the “Chief end of man is ‘glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’” Does this sound like your life?
     

Close:

The testimony of the life of Rashad Jennings has been told thousands of times over in the lives of other children. A snapshot of “Shad,” as his friends call him, when he was a child would never have told you that he would be known nationally for his faith and love for the Lord.

The truth we can take away from this conversation is that you never know what God has planned for those who you think are not going to amount to anything. We often judge by external behavior and looks, not considering the amazing ability of our God to bring plans and purposes to fruition in the lives of those who love Him. This should teach us to value the lives of those—especially children—with whom we come into contact, praying for them to become great in the kingdom of heaven.

 

 

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