«Hope deferred makes the hurt sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12, NW).
PERSEVERANCE
Jonás Gutiérrez was born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on July 5, 1983. Since childhood he had to learn how to overcome problems. When he was only one and a half years old, he suffered a paralysis on the left side of his body. He suffered from feverish convulsions and the doctors recommended to his mother that he practice a sport so that there would be no after-effects. This is how little Jonås practiced exercise from an early age. When he started playing soccer, he believed in his heart that one day he would become a professional player. The boy left his soul on the pitch, which earned him the nickname of «the greyhound.» Gutierrez played for Atlético Vélez Sarsfield club in Argentina, the RCD Mallorca of Spain, and Newcastle United of England. In 2007, he received his first call to play with the Argentine soccer team and, in 2010, he participated in the World Cup in South Africa with his country. However, in May 2013, during a match between Arsenal and Newcastle, in London, he had a strong clash with the French player Sagna, suffering severe pain in the genital area. After being attending by the doctor, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. «The greyhound» collapsed with the news and broke into tears in front of the doctor.
Apparently, his soccer career had ended. But Jonah Gutierrez did not surrender. He went to Argentina to follow up with medical treatment. In addition, he faced constant emotional ups and downs, however, he continued to go on. «The greyhound» confesses: «In a situation like this, the important thing is to have faith. . . . Thanks to that, one is able to go on. . . . I believe very much in God and I always looked forward» (translated from El Pats, March 29, 2015). Gutierrez recovered in an astonishing way. On March 4, 2015, technician John Carver ordered him to go on the field of play. At that time, the 52,000 viewers of Saint James Park stood up to applaud the Argentine player. That day he was born again. Once more we saw the midfielder leaving his soul on the pitch. «The greyhound» was back.
Faith in God is a factor that can drive you to be persevering. It is He who gives us the hope to feed our dreams and acquire the certainty of a better future.
Today ask the Lord to help you to have faith in the difficult moments of your life.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
