Andre Ingram’s Long-Awaited Opportunity

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12 

Many of you will know that I love all sorts of sports, so to begin Faith Matters this year, I though we’d look at some stories from the world of sports and relate them to matters of faith!

You probably haven’t heard of basketballer Andre Ingram. Last year, his incredible story of perseverance inspired many. Andre spent more than a decade in the NBA’s various developmental leagues — most recently known as the G League. He was so close to the top league for so many years but was never able to make an NBA team. Finally, on April 9 last year at the age of 32, Andre made an appearance in an official NBA game with the Los Angeles Lakers, remarkably making 4 3-pointers and scoring 19 points. He was the oldest NBA rookie since 1964.

The performance on debut and his determination in the development leagues remind me of God’s call on us to be people of perseverance. Through disappointment, rejection, or even feeling invisible, God promises his goodness to those who persevere. It seems to me that Andre Ingram would have felt all of those things. He may never be remembered as a ‘great’ in the basketball world, but he will be remembered as the guy who devoted himself, and never gave up.

Isaac Williams
College Chaplain – Wyvern