“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” — James 1:12
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Fifteen years is a long time to wait for something, especially when you’ve come close to getting it on several occasions. That’s exactly what happened to Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos. Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the spring of 1983, but was traded to Denver shortly after. His only goal was that of most NFL players: win the Super Bowl.
The Broncos were one of the better teams in the mid-1980s and remained a powerhouse through the late 1990s, but they never could win it all despite making three Super Bowl appearances in four years. The man at the forefront of those disappointments was Elway. In 1996, the Broncos looked ready to get over the hump after securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC. But once again, the Broncos fell short, and it seemed as though Elway would never get that elusive championship.
At some point or another, our walk with God can feel this way. If we focus on the hardship, we can start to feel as though He isn’t there, has other or more important things to take care of, or He doesn’t love us as much as others. Satan has this nasty habit of using our circumstances to feed us lies about ourselves and God. First Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
During these trials, when it seems hard to trust God, it’s more important than ever to rely on Him and keep the faith. James 1:12 reminds us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
So why bring up John Elway? Well, after the 1996 season, Elway was faced with a lot of decisions. Should he retire? Should he test the waters in the newly created world of free agency? Elway remained loyal to Denver and continued his quest for championship glory. In January 1998, Elway’s day finally came. The Broncos defeated the heavily favored Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII — and even did it again the next year against the Atlanta Falcons.
Through the years, Elway’s persistence and loyalty in his desire for a Super Bowl was eventually rewarded with back-to-back titles. Although this isn’t the story for all athletes, this is the truth for all followers of Christ: The reward we’ll receive for our perseverance and consistent faith in God may not be the treasure the world values, but it will be one that can never fade away or lose its value.
— Gannon Parker
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