Denzel Washington’s Radical Transformation: From Rejecting God to Preaching His Word

Denzel Washington, one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, recently opened up about his spiritual transformation and the purpose he believes God has given him. Speaking via video conference to the University of Colorado Boulder football team, coached by NFL legend Deion Sanders, Washington reflected on his tumultuous journey from rejecting God to finding a deep and abiding faith.

The Oscar-winning actor candidly shared how he once “hated God” and struggled with his beliefs, only to come to a place where he now says, “God put me on this planet to preach.” He began his talk by saying, “In all that I say, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in God’s sight,” setting a tone of humility and reverence.

Washington, who grew up in a church-going family, described how his faith journey has spanned many phases. “I’ve been through every machination of faith, from faith to ‘F it,’” he admitted. But through the years, he said, he came to recognize the grace of God. “I’ve had no patience with God, and God has had nothing but patience with me. That’s why they call it grace.”

In his message to the student-athletes, Washington emphasized the importance of understanding one’s God-given purpose beyond the fleeting nature of worldly achievements. “We all have a purpose in our life, and I’m here to tell you, God did not put you here to play football,” he asserted. “He gave you that gift, but that’s not your purpose in life because one knee, one shoulder, one ankle, one Achilles, one concussion can end that.” Instead, Washington encouraged them to reflect on their unique, God-given potential and the broader purpose that awaits them.

Drawing from his own life experiences, Washington shared that acting was never his original goal. He discovered his passion for performance in college almost by accident, calling it a “God-given ability” that ultimately became his calling. Yet, even as his acting career flourished, he came to believe that his true purpose lies in spreading a message of faith and hope.

“God did not put me on this planet to act; God put me on this planet to preach,” he said, pointing to moments in his life that he now sees as divine guidance. He recalled a prophetic encounter at his mother’s beauty parlor, where a patron predicted he would “travel the world and preach to millions of people.”

Washington also shared personal stories that highlighted God’s grace in his life. From near-misses with trouble as a teenager to his experiences with substance use, Washington credited divine intervention for steering him toward a better path. “Only by the grace of God I didn’t go [to prison],” he said, revealing that some of his closest friends had been incarcerated for similar actions.

Addressing the football players, Washington offered both practical and spiritual advice. He encouraged them to start their mornings with quiet reflection, to be still and listen for guidance. “Get up in the morning and be quiet, I’m not talking about prayer, I’m just talking about be quiet, put your feet on the floor. Try to take two minutes and just be quiet. Breathe. Listen,” he advised.

Ultimately, Washington’s heartfelt message was one of humility, gratitude, and purpose. His journey—from rejecting faith to embracing a mission to preach—resonates as a powerful example of transformation, grace, and the belief that everyone has a unique calling beyond their immediate gifts.