Almost a Miracle

Twenty young men would come together from all walks of life, form a team and in many ways change the attitude of a country.  They were the young men of the 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team.  As you probably know, this group of college kids would shock the world with a gold medal performance and in turn give a country something to cheer for and be united. Still to this day it is probably the most famous Olympic moment in American history. Even 46 years later there have been numerous movies and documentaries made about this team. The lives of these twenty men would be changed forever.  Imagine putting on your résumé, member of the 1980 USA Hockey Team.

But there was also another side to the story. This side is about a man named Ralph Cox.  Ralph Cox was a tremendous hockey player for the University of New Hampshire.  He was invited to the try-outs for the Olympic Hockey team of 1980, but he ended up being the last player cut from the team. He was so close to being a part of one of the greatest Olympic teams and instead he was the last man out.  So, what happened to Ralph Cox?  The years following the 1980 Olympic were in his own words, “dark days.”  He felt he let so many people down and the magnitude of the moment grew.  But Mr. Cox had a moment where his attitude changed and he even would say to people, “This is not the last chapter of my life.”  Ralph Cox would have a short career in professional hockey and eventually become a very successful commercial real estate agent. He has a great family with 3 grown kids and admits today his response to being the last man cut changed his life in many ways.  (taken from Sports Illustrated article by Sam Weinman)

It reminds me of the story of Justus or Barsabas, or Joseph. Ok all three names are the same man, known by a trio of names according to Acts 1:23. This young man was selected as one of the finalists to become the 12th disciple replacing Judas. But after prayer and casting their lots, they decided upon Matthias. For the rest of his life, Joseph Barsabas Justus was the guy who got cut from the final 12.  How would he respond? From Scripture, we do not know exactly. We are sure he was one who had followed Jesus closely and unashamedly even knowing of His death and resurrection personally.  He was with the early church during this time which points to his faithfulness.  Just to be considered was quite the honor obviously. Known by three names this actually points to his notoriety amongst people of different backgrounds. He was well respected by those in the church and even those outside it seemed.  His response to not becoming disciple number 12?  There were no protests, recounts, or rebuttals.  He didn’t call a press conference, nor did he vent his frustration on social media.  What he didn’t do says a lot.  From historians we know that he remained faithful to the church and was most likely martyred for his faith in Christ.   From all indications Justus’s almost moment didn’t deter him from letting that become the last chapter in his life either.

Some of you have experienced those heartaches of almost or what if.  The job fell through, a relationship didn’t work out, our number wasn’t chosen.  The response to rejection can become your testimony of faith or your story of sorrow.  It’s your choice. The rejection is usually not in our control, but the response is in our hands.  The apostle Paul once said, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. When we respond in a genuine trust and faith to God, the story often leads to redemption.  You may not understand why you experienced rejection at this time, but if you will just trust God, the final chapter is yet to be written.  After all, as people of faith in the one true God, we ask ourselves this question. Do you believe in Miracles? Yes, we still do!