By Mallory Mattingly
Is there a difference between knowing about God and knowing God?
According to Olympic track star Daniel Roberts, there is, and embracing that difference will change your relationship with the Lord.
“The first thing that comes to mind is when essentially things Jesus is saying, like people will come to God and then we do all these things. And He says, ‘Depart from me, for I never knew you,'” Roberts explained on Sports Spectrum’s podcast. “It’s like reading it, it’s crazy to think about, but at the same time, it’s like all He wants is a relationship. Like He just wants to know you. He wants to know you, and wants you to know Him.”
“We try to put all these other things, like you got to go to church, you got to do this, you got to do that, you got to speak the right way. And it’s like God just wants that relationship with you, man,” the track star continued. “So once you have the relationship, it’s totally different than just knowing who God is and knowing of God, because, I mean, even the demons know. They know God, if they know who God is, but that wouldn’t mean they’re getting in [to heaven].”
Related: USA Track and Field Star Long Jumps for Jesus: ‘What a Blessing’
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Roberts often shares his faith on his social media platform. In a post from early August, he reflected on recovering from an injury.
“Unfortunately, this year I’ve had a lingering pain and discomfort in my Achilles,” he wrote. “I tried just about everything I could to get back out there, even had a little procedure about 6 weeks prior to US champs, but being out there and not feeling prepared and still not 100% weeks decided not to run. It’s a weird feeling shutting the season down this early, but I’m excited to heal and to rest and to come back indoors stronger than ever. Thankfully, I have some amazing friends and family who make times like this worth it.
“As many hurdles as I’ve jumped, you would think that I’d get used to this,” the Olympic silver medalist continued. “Some self-inflicted others were intended to send me down a path of doubt and shame, but the devil bricked it. But I walk and never get tired, I run and never grow weary. So, even on that path, I still look up and see You clearly. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and lose his soul?”
Roberts took home the silver medal for the 100-meter hurdles at the Olympics in 2024.
Though he’s dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career, he knows God uses them for His glory.
“It’s always for our good,” he told CBN last year. “Knowing that at the end of the day…this isn’t the end. This is just something that I have to get through or grow through. Maybe it’s something that was meant for me to grow and change. So that I can be the man of God I’m meant to be.”
Whether finding victory or dealing with setbacks, Roberts knows his future is secure because of his relationship with God.
Read Next: How God Carried Team USA Track Star to Surprise Gold
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