Daily Devotional: Thursday, July 25 – Consistent Faith

“Blessed is the one who perseveres below trial as a result of, having stood the check, that individual will obtain the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those that love him.” — James 1:12

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Fifteen years is a very long time to attend for one thing, particularly whenever you’ve come near getting it on a number of events. That’s precisely what occurred to Corridor of Fame quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos. Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts within the spring of 1983, however was traded to Denver shortly after. His solely objective was that of most NFL gamers: win the Tremendous Bowl.

The Broncos have been one of many higher groups within the mid-Nineteen Eighties and remained a powerhouse by way of the late Nineteen Nineties, however they by no means might win all of it regardless of making three Tremendous Bowl appearances in 4 years. The person on the forefront of these disappointments was Elway. In 1996, the Broncos appeared able to recover from the hump after securing the No. 1 seed within the AFC. However as soon as once more, the Broncos fell quick, and it appeared as if Elway would by no means get that elusive championship.

In some unspecified time in the future or one other, our stroll with God can really feel this manner. If we concentrate on the hardship, we are able to begin to really feel as if He isn’t there, has different or extra vital issues to deal with, or He doesn’t love us as a lot as others. Devil has this nasty behavior of utilizing our circumstances to feed us lies about ourselves and God. First Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober thoughts. Your enemy the satan prowls round like a roaring lion searching for somebody to devour.”

Throughout these trials, when it appears exhausting to belief God, it’s extra vital than ever to depend on Him and hold the religion. James 1:12 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres below trial as a result of, having stood the check, that individual will obtain the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those that love him.”

So why convey up John Elway? Properly, after the 1996 season, Elway was confronted with a number of selections. Ought to he retire? Ought to he check the waters within the newly created world of free company? Elway remained loyal to Denver and continued his quest for championship glory. In January 1998, Elway’s day lastly got here. The Broncos defeated the closely favored Inexperienced Bay Packers in Tremendous Bowl XXXII — and even did it once more the following 12 months towards the Atlanta Falcons.

By way of the years, Elway’s persistence and loyalty in his want for a Tremendous Bowl was ultimately rewarded with back-to-back titles. Though this isn’t the story for all athletes, that is the reality for all followers of Christ: The reward we’ll obtain for our perseverance and constant religion in God is probably not the treasure the world values, however it is going to be one that may by no means fade away or lose its worth.

— Gannon Parker

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