While watching NFL football recently, the quarterback dropped back to throw the ball. A receiver was open, and he released a long pass. Immediately after the ball left his hand, he was hit by a defensive player who laid him out on his back. 

The ball continued to fly 20, 30, 40, and 50 yards downfield. The receiver grabbed it out of the air in full stride and ran another 20 yards for the touchdown. The crowd went wild at this incredible throw and reception. 

At this point, the camera returned to the quarterback, who waited for a three-hundred-plus-pound defensive lineman to get off him. The play was over when he stood up to look downfield. The whole play was athletic poetry, and one of the main characters did not see the results; he only did his part.

Often, I think a great life for God is like that picture. We do our very best in his service. We preach, teach, lead, connect, serve, share, and speak the gospel into people’s lives. Then, life hits us, and we fail to see the impact of our actions. We spend our time trying to get back up while the ball moves forward unbeknownst to us. 

The value of a godly life is usually not seen immediately; it happens years, decades, and even centuries later. When you measure what you give your life to, don’t look for quick reactions; some plays take time to develop, and you might never see the goal scored from the ball you threw.