Comeback or Crash
Theme of the Week: Nice Recovery!
Jim Grassi
Friday, August 8, 2003
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Key Bible Verse: … in Christ's triumphal procession (2 Corinthians 2:14). Bonus Reading:2 Cor. 2:15-16; 3:4-5
The Buffalo Bills played a miserable first half in their 1992 playoff game with the Houston Oilers. They were behind 35-3—a deficit no NFL team had ever come back from. Things weren't going well for the Bills quarterback, Frank Reich, starting his first NFL playoff game. Despite being effective during the regular season, the Bills offense couldn't get going.
As the whistle blew to begin the third quarter, Frank began reflecting on a song he'd heard sung several times the preceding week. In fact, he'd written down the lyrics to In Christ Alone just that morning. His faith and confidence remained strong as he led the Bills to an overtime victory: 41-38!
During the postgame press conference, Reich pulled out the In Christ Alone lyrics and read to the assembled crowds the words [below].
A few weeks later, Frank again reviewed this song as he and his teammates picked up the pieces after a crushing 52-17 loss to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXVII. The words now provided a new insight: We don't experience victory in all our circumstances, but Christ gives us strength and hope to overcome all odds—even losing a Super Bowl.
—Jim Grassi in Crunch Time
My Response:
Which is my need from Christ now: humility in victory or hope in defeat?
Thought to Apply: In Christ alone will I glory, Though I could pride myself in battles won / For I've been blessed beyond measure, And by His strength alone I overcome.
—Shawn Craig & Don Koch (© Hosanna! Music)
Adapted from Crunch Time (Bethany, 2002) by permission.
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
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Lord, don't allow failure to paralyze me. Let me hang on to You until I experience Your deliverance.
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