December 4
Hebrews 11:1-7
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death, and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would approach God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.
Faith in God's Promises
by Tweety Carter
Nine months ago, I was playing my 12th season of overseas basketball in Lublin, Poland. I had always believed basketball would continue to provide for my family, like it had for so many years, but there I was, thousands of miles away from my wife and children, enduring the unthinkable. For the first time in my life, I could not see my future. I was questioning my decision to continue playing overseas basketball more than ever. Why did I come back? How could I change this situation I’ve put myself in? Who could help me? God placed me in an uncomfortable position, and the only thing left to do was exercise my faith in him.
In Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1 it says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." I pleaded to God in hopes that he would hear my prayers and deliver me from the depression and darkness I felt trapped in. It was at that moment I realized I was able to exercise my faith in God. I was dissatisfied with my current position as a basketball player and looking forward to brighter days. I needed to find hope in order to find faith in God's promises. I knew I couldn’t figure this out on my own.
God's love for me will always get me through any trials and tribulations I may experience in my life. I prayed my faith in God would make me stronger than ever. It was time for me to make the decision to walk away from something I loved with all my heart. Even when those I knew and loved asked me questions, like why would I walk away from basketball? The faith I had in God changed my way of thinking and my response to anyone who doubted my future outside of basketball. My response was because God has a bigger plan for me and my family. Even though I couldn't see my future, I hoped that everything would be okay for my family and me.
Two months after announcing my retirement from basketball, my dream to work alongside Baylor Men’s Basketball Coach Scott Drew and the coaching staff at Baylor University came true! I could now provide for my family. I could be proud of who I was becoming and the changes I was making as a man of God. The peace I found giving all my problems and doubts to God helped open my heart to understand what my purpose was in life, and that was being closer to my family and helping others grow to know Jesus Christ.
Learn More About Our Guest Writer
Tweety Carter
Tweety Carter was named Baylor Men's Basketball Director of Player Development on March 29, 2022. Carter returned to Baylor after a 12-year career in professional basketball, most recently playing for Start Lublin of the Polish Basketball League in 2021-22. He began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s G-League affiliate, then gained overseas experience in Israel, Latvia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Lithuania, Poland, Greece and Portugal.
The first McDonalds All-American in Baylor Men’s Basketball program history, Carter played 131 games with 89 starts for Head Coach Scott Drew from 2006-10. He led the Bears to an Elite Eight appearance in his senior season, averaging 15.0 points and a Big 12-leading 5.9 assists per contest. During his time overseas, Carter had eight seasons averaging double-figure scoring, including a career-best 20.7 points per game with Bnei Hasharon in Israel in 2011-12. A 2010 Baylor graduate, Carter and his wife Brittney have four children - Kiylah, Michael, Alani and Yilianna.
