Jeremy Lin News Updates: Christian Faith Aided Him During The Highs and Lows

Aug 17, 2015 04:15 PM EDT

The most competitive business is sports, as the players have to win just to make their next paycheck.  The pressure is great, and some players are able to rise above it and deliver constantly good performances.  Jeremy Lin was seen as one of these great athletes, and during his high points, "Linsanity" swept the nation.  However, like all great streaks, it isn't destined to last forever, but Lin's Christian faith has kept him strong through the latest news and updates. 

It has been an interesting road for Jeremy Lin as he struggled through two seasons with the Houston Rockets and then lost his starting position.  The whole "Linsanity" at the top of his career was pretty amazing, but like most catchphrases, it became overused.  There was an episode of The Simpsons that addressed how much "Linsanity" had been overused. 

A recent report from Indiesocial talks about Lin and his Christian faith, and how it has helped him through this difficult time.  Lin talked about how he didn't want to view God as this "Santa Claus" who would magically help Lin play better, or even keep his starting job.  Lin saw his faith as a way to shape his own personal attitude, and remain humble and strong through all the joy and the struggle. 

Lin found strength in Joshua 1:9, which states:  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and be courageous. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  His faith also helped him to overcome chronic pre-game anxiety as he was struggling to sleep and eat on a game-day. 

Lin has also said this:  "Yes, I made a crucial turnover in a playoff game. Yes, I am not a starter anymore. My popularity ratings are as low as they've ever been. My stats have gone down two straight years. But God has used all of these setbacks to slowly strip me of all my idols that compete for my attention. He has gradually peeled away my pride, my selfish ambition, and my self-centeredness. Only by removing my idols could God draw me closer to him. Isn't that real and true success?"

Lin has a contract with the Charlotte Hornets at two years and $4 million.  According to Bleacher Report, it is a good fit for the player as there was lofty expectations of him in Houston, as well as his one-year-stint for the Lakers last season.  It will allow Jeremy Lin to live outside of the "Linsanity" spotlight, and it achieves a goal that the player wrote about on Facebook:  "I wanted to be on a team where I would be able to play freely and truly play the game I love with joy again."