I’ll never forget what it felt like to zip up my black jacket that had both a volleyball and my nickname embroidered on it. Circa 1999, if you saw me at school, home, or even Walmart, I would have likely been wearing it. I loved that jacket, it was a badge of honor. I had faced my fears and tried out for my area’s club volleyball team. My strong serve landed me a spot. Weekend tournaments, new jerseys and the black jackets made me feel important. It was an incredible new experience—I felt chosen.
Fast forward to a few years later, my faith in Jesus began to mature. As I read Scriptures saying I belonged to God, I understood the concept. The jacket, which helped me represent my team, gave me a small taste of what bearing God’s name felt like. Calling myself a Christian meant everywhere I went, I was representing Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, I hung up the jacket for good not too long after joining the team. Getting diagnosed with colon cancer as a teenager halted any future athletic plans. But God used the experience so I could learn whether I still called myself an athlete, student or any other role— I still belonged to Him above all else.
In Daniel 9, we see an 80-year-old man crying out to God in prayer. Daniel had lived most of his life in captivity; he’s the guy who survived the lion’s den and respectfully served pagan kings. Despite a life full of trials, he stayed faithful and devout, giving 100% to God. A key to his spiritual perseverance is found in Daniel 6:10: He prayed three times a day.
Our world is facing many challenges right now in the midst of a global pandemic. Our quarantines feel like captivity and threats of a contagious virus roar like hungry lions; yet, we are not left hopeless. We can approach our trials in the same way Daniel did. We can confidentiality seek God’s face and pray with confession, adoration and petition because we belong to God. We all bear His name.
