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Obedience to God’s Call Brings New Life - Lee Young-Pyo

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Growing up in Korea, I really had no religion. The idea of God was a fairytale to me. Then, some friends who were followers of Christ shared their faith. I still had doubts, but was eager to learn more. I felt that God needed to reveal Himself to me.

When I honestly searched for the truth through reading and close friends, I was amazed. God showed me that He did exist, and my heart was changed forever. I wanted Him in my life. After that, I began to study the Bible and have grown to know Him more and more.

Now everything in my life is different, even my thinking. With mental anguish, I sought answers on the problem of my sinful nature; and God answered those questions with the only possible solution — Jesus.

He is the one who takes away our sins! Before Christ, I struggled with fear and worried about death. Now, I understand that Jesus died for my sins, and I am free from worry and fear.

My life has completely changed. Because people know I am a believer, many ask, “How much does your belief in God help you in football?” My answer is, “Playing football is helpful to my belief in God, rather than God helping me play football.” God is the most important thing to me — not football. Football is only one of many ways I can glorify and serve my Lord.

Winning or losing can mean everything in football. All I can do is prepare and play my best. And when my efforts are given for Him, I can accept the results joyfully, for I believe that He is in control.

There is a man in the Bible named Matthew, who was a tax collector and had little outward appearance of a religious life. But Jesus changed that. While Matthew was at work one day, Jesus called out to him, “Follow Me!” So he got up and followed Him (Matthew 9:9).

Matthew’s life changed forever when he was obedient to God’s call, even to the point of receiving a new name and career. From Levi the tax collector, he became Matthew, one of the 12 disciples.

Read the full powerful story of Matthew’s obedience to God and becoming one of the biggest difference-makers known for Christ! Take time to read the Book of Matthew.

For more on obedience, read in the book called Romans (chapter 6, verse 4) and 1 Peter (chapter 1, verse 3).

Written by Lee Young-Pyo, a defender for South Korea who played for FC Seoul, PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Al-Hilal and the Vancouver Whitecaps, in addition to 127 caps for South Korea.

Obedience to God’s Call Brings New Life - Lee Young-Pyo

May 31, 2018

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Growing up in Korea, I really had no religion. The idea of God was a fairytale to me. Then, some friends who were followers of Christ shared their faith. I still had doubts, but was eager to learn more. I felt that God needed to reveal Himself to me.

When I honestly searched for the truth through reading and close friends, I was amazed. God showed me that He did exist, and my heart was changed forever. I wanted Him in my life. After that, I began to study the Bible and have grown to know Him more and more.

Now everything in my life is different, even my thinking. With mental anguish, I sought answers on the problem of my sinful nature; and God answered those questions with the only possible solution — Jesus.

He is the one who takes away our sins! Before Christ, I struggled with fear and worried about death. Now, I understand that Jesus died for my sins, and I am free from worry and fear.

My life has completely changed. Because people know I am a believer, many ask, “How much does your belief in God help you in football?” My answer is, “Playing football is helpful to my belief in God, rather than God helping me play football.” God is the most important thing to me — not football. Football is only one of many ways I can glorify and serve my Lord.

Winning or losing can mean everything in football. All I can do is prepare and play my best. And when my efforts are given for Him, I can accept the results joyfully, for I believe that He is in control.

There is a man in the Bible named Matthew, who was a tax collector and had little outward appearance of a religious life. But Jesus changed that. While Matthew was at work one day, Jesus called out to him, “Follow Me!” So he got up and followed Him (Matthew 9:9).

Matthew’s life changed forever when he was obedient to God’s call, even to the point of receiving a new name and career. From Levi the tax collector, he became Matthew, one of the 12 disciples.

Read the full powerful story of Matthew’s obedience to God and becoming one of the biggest difference-makers known for Christ! Take time to read the Book of Matthew.

For more on obedience, read in the book called Romans (chapter 6, verse 4) and 1 Peter (chapter 1, verse 3).

Written by Lee Young-Pyo, a defender for South Korea who played for FC Seoul, PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Al-Hilal and the Vancouver Whitecaps, in addition to 127 caps for South Korea.