“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Drew Brees: Molding and Shaping

Drew Brees has seen the highs and lows of the NFL–multiple times. When he was with the San Diego Chargers, he experienced success on the field: He led the Chargers to a 12-4 record and a playoff berth, and he also played in the Pro Bowl. But he also experienced the disappointment of a team that didn’t want him a year later because of an injury. That up and down road continued with the New Orleans Saints: He won a Super Bowl, set NFL passing records and had several Pro Bowl berths. His team in 2017 is on the verge of making the playoffs and winning the NFC South, but he’s also been through some very bad seasons as well. 

We’re susceptible to life’s roller coaster, as well. Ours, though, likely hasn’t involved (or won’t involve) fun and games or even a ball. It has involved or will involve life’s issues, which can be serious, causing stress, anxiety and unneeded turmoil. We can’t be discouraged, though. Rather, we should be encouraged because we know that God is the God of encouragement and compassion and will use those trials in our lives to mold, shape and grow us into the people He wants us to become. But more important, as 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, He will use those trials “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

— BRETT HONEYCUTT

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