Australian Rugby star Jarryd Hayne says God called him away from NFL for a reason

Jarryd Hayne says, 'God takes you places not so you can achieve what you set out for, but to play a part and help something greater than yourself.' (Facebook/Jarryd Hayne)

Some people try to resist God's plans for their lives, but Australian rugby player Jarryd Hayne is submitting himself humbly before God's will.

Hayne retired from the NFL last May so he could try out for the Fiji Rugby Sevens team, which would go to the upcoming Olympic games in Rio. Sadly for Hayne, he did not make the cut.

He announced this news on his Facebook page. "Last Friday I had a meeting with Ben to discuss my future with the team and I was informed that my time has ended. As much as I would have loved to go to Rio, I too knew I wasn't ready yet."

Hayne says he pushed his body "above and beyond" its limits, and he used all of his experience as a professional athlete to make himself good for the team. However, he acknowledged that time was against him.

"It was hard to comprehend and understand at first why I came here? Why God put me here, but deep down I knew there was a reason and a purpose. God takes you places not so you can achieve what you set out for, but to play a part and help something greater than yourself," he says.

Hayne adds he has still so many things to learn, but he will never forget the training he made for the Olympics since he made a lot of friends that he will treasure throughout his life.

"I've loved every minute of training with the Fiji Rugby 7's. Not only are they back to back world champions but they are a bunch of guys who have welcomed me into the team as one of their own family," he says.

Hayne is also grateful for the fans' support, and he is in awe of the love and passion they have for the 7's. For now, the Christian athlete says he will be heading home to Sydney to take some rest, and he will try to figure out his next steps from there.

"'ll enjoy watching from afar and wish the team all the best of luck on their road to Rio. Going to miss our prayers twice a day, endless laughs and ma man Sharkie! Nothing but love for the taganes," he concludes.

News
Fire severely damages historic Amsterdam church on New Year’s Day
Fire severely damages historic Amsterdam church on New Year’s Day

A major fire tore through one of Amsterdam’s best-known historic buildings in the early hours of New Year’s Day, seriously damaging the property and forcing people to leave nearby homes.

Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures
Rwanda’s president on the defensive over church closures

Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended the government's forced closure of Evangelical churches, accusing them of being a “den of bandits” led by deceptive relics of colonialism. 

We are the story still being written
We are the story still being written

The story of Christ continues in the lives of those who take up His calling.

Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas
Christians harassed, attacked all over India at Christmas

International Christian Concern reported more than 80 incidents in India, some of them violent, over Christmas.