Ja’Kobe Walter recently gave Glory to God after the Toronto Raptors selected him as the 19th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Walter explained that before the amazing support from his family, he maintained that it was ultimately the grace of God that allowed him to become a professional basketball player.
“All glory to God,” he said, as reported by Movieguide. “He got me here. It’s just been a long journey. My family supported me the whole way, so it’s just a very emotional moment.” Walter further explained how he had continually prayed for a chance to be drafted into the NBA. “I prayed so many times for just this moment right here, so now that it’s finally here, it’s just dreams into reality,” he said in another interview. “And I’m just grateful.”
While he has never visited Canada before, Walter expressed that he is incredibly excited for the new chapter of his life. “I’ve never even been to Canada before,” he stated. “This is gonna be my first time, but I’m just super excited for everything, honestly. I know the fanbase is great, a lot of support. We’re trying to win championships.”
Walter explained that he is eager to join the roster and make a name for himself, assisting the team in whatever way he can. “Just try to make an impact in any way I can,” he said. “Whatever they need me to do coming in, I’m gonna do it for them. Really just try to bring that winning intensity.”
As of recently, it appears that more athletes are coming forward expressing their faith in Jesus Christ. The Christian Tribune reported on comments from Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship with God.
“At the end of the day basketball doesn’t matter. Money doesn’t matter. Fame doesn’t matter. The most important thing is a relationship with God,” Porter was quoted saying. “Fame, money, power or anything else that you’re putting your trust in apart from Christ, cannot save you when you take your last breath,” according to the post from the Christian Sports account Christhlete. “Make your relationship right with God NOW while you still can. NOW is the acceptable time. NOW is the time of salvation.”
Furthermore, NBA veteran Al Horford also expressed honored God following his first NBA Finals Championship win last month. “It’s been long, a lot of hard work, but I’m so proud to be part of this team and that it happened now,” he stated. “La gloria a Dios! Gloria a Dios!” which translates “Glory to God” in English.
Horford, who has spent 17 years in the league further expressed how grateful he is for the championship win, giving thanks to God for allowing it to happen. “Man, I’m so grateful,” he said. “I know I’ve said it before but it’s glory to the Lord for me, for putting me in this position. It’s been a lot of years. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”
In a culture that prioritizes status and materialism, it is always encouraging to see athletes openly demonstrating their faith. With their widespread platform of influence it serves as a positive example for a culture in need of Christian values.
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