Watch: Denzel Washington shares transformative journey from hating God to feeling called to preach

During a recent virtual session with the University of Colorado Boulder football team, acclaimed actor Denzel Washington openly shared his profound transformation from once despising God to now identifying his purpose as one of preaching. This significant shift for Washington comes after he received his ministerial license and was baptized earlier this year.

Denzel Washington's powerful words to the University of Colorado football team will absolutely stick with you 🔥 pic.twitter.com/aNqWQ9hnC1

— RELEVANT (@RELEVANT) March 14, 2025

In a video posted online, Washington engaged with the team, led by renowned coach Deion Sanders, expressing deep reflections on faith and personal development. He started his conversation with a meaningful invocation: “In all that I say, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in God’s sight.” This sets the tone for an honest recounting of his life and spiritual journey.

Raised in a religious environment, Washington explained the complex evolution of his faith, revealing that he once rejected God vehemently. He admitted at one point, “I hated God,” but eventually came to a place of appreciation and understanding. “I’ve had no patience with God, and God has had nothing but patience with me. That’s why they call it grace,” he added, reflecting on the nature of divine compassion.

Finding True Purpose

At age 70, Washington emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s unique platforms in life while addressing the young athletes. He noted that while many athletes may see football as their primary purpose, he encouraged them to look beyond immediate successes. “God did not put you here to play football,” he insisted. Washington firmly believes that each individual has a distinct purpose that extends beyond their athletic ability, which can be disrupted by injury at any moment.

Revisiting his college years, Washington shared how he initially drifted from major to major until he unexpectedly discovered acting during his junior year. “I never wanted to be an actor… but I found out very quickly that that was my God-given ability,” he remarked. He proudly stated, “God did not put me on this planet to act; God put me on this planet to preach,” reaffirming his belief that his career is part of a higher calling.

Reflections on His Past

Washington connected his current path to a prophecy given to him by a woman at his mother’s beauty salon five decades ago. She foretold that he would “travel the world and preach to millions of people.” Looking back, he shared how he feels he is now fulfilling that very prophecy. He related his experiences growing up, attributing the grace of God as the reason he’s not behind bars like many of his childhood friends, underlining the precarious choices he made in his youth.

He narrated a poignant memory from younger days involving drug use and the intervention by a school authority figure, highlighting the protective hand of God in his life at critical moments. Washington concluded his session with thoughtful advice, encouraging the athletes to find moments of stillness amidst their busy lives. “Get up in the morning and be quiet,” he suggested, emphasizing the importance of taking time to breathe and reflect. The actor’s message, rich with personal anecdotes and wisdom, resonates deeply, offering a refreshing perspective on faith and purpose in the rapidly changing landscape of life.