Setbacks Are Merely Comebacks In Disguise

“The only way you lose for sure is if you quit. Persist without exception.” – Andy Andrews

On January 14th, the Jacksonville Jaguars faced off against the San Diego Chargers in a wildcard playoff game. Trevor Lawrence, the Jags quarterback, had a disastrous first half, throwing four interceptions. As a result, his team went into the locker room down, 27-0.

At that point, most QBs would have thrown in the towel. However, Lawrence, a strong Christian, refused to give up. Instead, he rallied his teammates around him, and the Jags went on to beat the Chargers, 31-30, on a field goal as time expired.

As impressive as that comeback was, it wasn’t the biggest in NFL history. In fact, it wasn’t even the biggest come-from-behind win this season. Less than a month earlier, Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 39-36 in overtime, after trailing 33-0 at halftime. Not so coincidentally, Cousins is also a firm believer in Jesus Christ.

Two Christian QBs and two miraculous comeback wins. How about three?

On January 3, 1993, the Houston Oilers jumped ahead of the Buffalo Bills, 35-3, thanks to four first-half TD passes by Warren Moon and an interception thrown by Bills’ back-up quarterback Frank Reich that was returned for a touchdown. Undaunted – and shrugging off the playoff pressure – Reich marched his team down the field again and again in the second half. At the end of regulation, the score was tied, but not for long. Reich led one final drive in overtime and placekicker Steve Christie split the uprights from 32-yards out for a stunning 41-38 victory.

And yes, as you may have already guessed, Frank Reich was – and is – a professing Christian who gave all the glory to God.

Setbacks are merely setups for comebacks… so don’t give up!

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President