Many of us in this area have heard of the NFL quarterback Chad Pennington, who played his college ball at Marshall University when they had a lot of successful years in the 1990’s. Chad had a successful but rough NFL career plagued with some severe injuries. Some were even the career-threatening type of injuries. Twice his injuries forced him to endure surgery, therapy, and extensive training to get back onto the field. Each time he not
only returned to playing but he so excelled that twice he was named Comeback Player of the Year. His returns were an expression of his determined spirit, strong faith, discipline and help from the medical world.

 

As a fellow Christian with Pennington, I believe we see set backs differently than many in the world. Through our faith we see problems as an opportunity to persevere and grow. Spiritual set backs can also present us with our greatest opportunities to be a witness or example to others, that is if we respond wisely and trust in the right help.

 

God knew in our spiritual life/career we would face seasons of sin and spiritual failure creating hardship in our relationship with and service to God. It is in those times when self determination alone cannot restore us to health and usefulness. God Himself created for us the path to a comeback through confession. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). For us to be able to recover from our spiritual failings and injuries, we must learn to confess and depend on the One who gave himself for us. He gives us hope in the midst of setback. Christ, who died for us, loves us and will respond with grace as we confess our faults to Him. Through His power to heal, we too can find gracious restoration. Maybe today you find yourself in a struggle with sin or in a season of battling spiritual difficulties, be sure to confess your sin struggle and rely on the great physician for healing, God desires and designed it so we can all make great comebacks.

 

In His Service,

Eric Barnes