NBA star Jeremy Lin—whose basketball prowess during his time with the New York Knicks resulted in the coining of the word "Linsanity"—has had some highs and lows in his career. Lin now acknowledges that he would not have been able to come out of the pitfalls of his career without his strong Christian faith.
During the last NBA season, Lin suffered from the worst lows in his stint with the Houston Rockets and even lost his starting position. That terrible season was enough to make anyone depressed, but not Lin. During a recent trip to Taiwan, he revealed how he was able to cope and find peace amid the trials.
"I can't promise next season will go well," Lin said, according to Indiesocal. "As badly as I want it to go perfectly, I know it could also be a disaster. But the one thing I can promise is that God's bigger and better than anything that can happen."
Lin said he does not view God as "Santa Claus" who is only there during good times. The basketball star understands that everyone must encounter difficulties in life because it helps shape attitude, strengthen character, and test Christians' true faith in God.
He also shared the Bible verse which encouraged him to work harder, and it came from Joshua 1:9. It reads: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and be courageous. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
The same verse also calms Lin's nerves and soothes his pre-game anxiety, which sometimes renders him unable to sleep or eat before a big game.
"He (God) showed me that even in the midst of all of my 'failures,' I had actually been succeeding," Lin said. "Yes, I made a crucial turnover in a playoff game. Yes, I am not a starter anymore. My popularity ratings are as low as they've ever been. My stats have gone down two straight years. But God has used all of these setbacks to slowly strip me of all my idols that compete for my attention. He has gradually peeled away my pride, my selfish ambition, and my self-centeredness.
Only by removing my idols could God draw me closer to him. Isn't that real and true success?"
Lin said he actually feels more joyful and at peace now that he is at a low point in life compared to the time when the world was raving about the success of "Linsanity."
He said he believes this is a true testament of his growing relationship with God.
