Actor Denzel Washington recently delivered a powerful message to the University of Colorado Boulder football team, emphasizing his faith journey and the importance of purpose beyond fame and success. Speaking via video conference, Washington shared his experience of moving from a place of rejecting God to embracing a life devoted to preaching and serving others.
In a heartfelt address, Washington began by expressing his desire for his words to resonate with the players. "In all that I say, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in God’s sight," he stated, setting the tone for a discussion rooted in faith and reflection.
Washington’s journey is one of profound change. He openly admitted to having struggled with his faith, recalling a time when he "hated God." Yet, he emphasized the grace that God has extended to him throughout his life. "I’ve had no patience with God, and God has had nothing but patience with me," he remarked, highlighting the theme of grace that runs through his story.
The actor, who recently received his ministerial license, spoke about the significance of understanding one’s purpose in life. "We all have different platforms. Some will be stars. Some will never be stars," he explained. Washington urged the athletes to recognize that their talents, while valuable, are not their ultimate purpose. "God did not put you here to play football," he asserted. Instead, he encouraged them to seek out their true calling beyond the field, reminding them that injuries can abruptly end athletic careers.
Reflecting on his own life, Washington shared how he stumbled into acting during his college years, a path he never anticipated. "I found out very quickly that that was my God-given ability," he said, acknowledging the divine guidance that has shaped his career. He firmly stated, "God did not put me on this planet to act; God put me on this planet to preach."
Washington also recounted a prophetic moment from his youth when a woman in his mother’s beauty salon told him he would "travel the world and preach to millions of people." He expressed that his current speaking engagements, like the one with the football team, are a fulfillment of that prophecy.
The actor’s candidness about his past struggles with drugs and the grace that kept him from a life of incarceration resonated deeply. "Only by the grace of God I didn’t go," he shared, illustrating how his life could have taken a different turn. Washington’s story serves as a reminder of the redemptive power of faith and the importance of recognizing God’s hand in our lives.
During the question-and-answer session, he reiterated a profound truth: "God found me long before I found him." His insights into his journey with God over the past 70 years were both enlightening and encouraging for the players.
As he wrapped up his talk, Washington offered practical advice for the young athletes. He encouraged them to start their days with quiet reflection, emphasizing the importance of taking a moment to breathe and listen. "Get up in the morning and be quiet," he advised, underscoring the value of stillness in a world filled with noise.
Denzel Washington’s message to the University of Colorado Boulder football team was not just about faith; it was a call to recognize the greater purpose in life and to embrace the journey with humility and gratitude. His story is a powerful reminder that our paths can shift dramatically, but with faith and purpose, we can find our true calling.
For more insights on faith and purpose, check out resources from Focus on the Family and Christianity Today.