Against the odds

On November 18, 2018, in a game against the Houston Texans, Alex Smith dropped back to pass like he had so many times in his 13 years in the NFL and was sacked by two of the league's best defensive lineman. Unfortunately, he was hit in such a way that it left him with a compound fracture in both of the major bones in his lower right leg. It was gruesome! Following the initial surgery to reset the bones and start the healing process, Smith developed a severe infection leading to Sepsis, and his broken leg quickly led to a life-threatening situation where at one point, amputating his leg was on the table as an option to save his life. Smith refused. Despite most experts telling him he would never play football again, he never gave up. Even in the face of death and losing his physical ability to play, he called on something deeper and was determined to overcome. He called on hope and belief that God could heal even this situation, that he would not lose his leg and he would recover. Seventeen surgeries and a grueling rehab later, Alex Smith, did in fact, miraculously return to the NFL and last night led his Washington football team to victory over the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers (sorry Tom). Hope never fails, so never give up. 

As difficult and seemingly impossible things can seem, seek the ability to see beyond the horizon to where redemption lies. Be like Columbus who could see the promised land when his crew begged him to turn around. Like Edison, who could see the flickering of the light bulb, or like the father in the story of the prodigal son, who could see his youngest son return home, it was just going to take time and patience. 

The Bible promises in Isaiah, "I will answer you in a time of favor." It's just a matter of time. Whatever the situation, don't give up. 

As Winston Churchill said: "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense."

Trust in the Lord, be patient, put in the hard work, refuse to quit, and let's go win a game!