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Tom Flick It was a devastating blow to my pro career... I had been in the NFL for just 1 season. After being traded from the Washington Redskins to the New England Patriots, I developed a nerve problem in my elbow. The doctor told me I needed an operation that might end my career. My dreams of a successful pro future seemed shattered. But I found a way to face, and even overcome the pain with a strength that's not my own. That is the story of what happened... Back in the 8th grade, I set a personal goal to become a professional quarterback. As I grew so did my love for the game. In high school I had every reason to feel good. When I played well, and our team won, I was happy. Yet, when I didn't play well and our team lost, I was down. At times, I was riding an emotional roller coaster that stemmed directly from my performance on the football field. But the future grew brighter. After high school, I received a scholarship to play at the University of Washington. By the end of my college career, the Huskies were champions. I received All-American honors and played in post-season bowls. Things were going well for me in the pros, until I was traded, and then injured. It wasn't until the bottom fell out of my life that I began to ask myself, "Why is all of this taking place?" If I couldn't trust football, what or whom could I trust? Around this time, I began attending a Bible study. I thought I was a well-rounded person. I went to church and did well in academics and athletics. I thought I was a pretty good person and that God would accept me on this premise. Then, I discovered a life-changing truth... In the Bible, I began to read that "We all, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way." This verse described me! For the first time I realized that Jesus claimed to be God, and that He had died on the cross as payment for my sins. The verse that struck home was John 1:12 "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God." God accepted me even though I had turned my back on Him. Now, even though I was cut from the Patriots and injured, I didn't have to earn God's acceptance by being good enough; He accepted me just the way I was. The words "received Him" left me with a challenge: I could go on living for myself, or I could choose to follow Jesus and receive the love He wanted to give me. I chose to follow Jesus. After I asked Christ into my life, I felt like a great weight on my shoulders was immediately lifted. I was freed from the pressure of performing, to gain my own acceptance and the acceptance of others. Now I begin each day thanking God for His love, His forgiveness, and the peace He gives me. I know He's interested in my best. He's with me in my victories and defeats. At times when I fall down, He picks me up. And whenever I'm successful, I know it's really Him who deserves the credit. If you would like to know more about Jesus and what He can do for you, just click the button on the left side of your screen to change your life. |
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