Peyton Manning is a quiet Christian who says in his book: Manning: “…I committed my life to Christ, and that faith has been most important to me ever since.”

As a 5-time MVP, his legacy is secure as a sports figure. He’s a professional. He can handle the glaring media spotlight, and he defended his Denver Broncos team from piles of words like “embarrassment” and “stink.”

But Manning’s eyes revealed his emotions to the cameras during the game. Disgust. Alarm. Disbelief. Worry. Resolve. Anger. Resignation. A FB meme summed up what Manning must have felt: “Hello. Mom? Can you come and get me?”

No one escapes the frustration that we experience, going under dog piles in our lives. We’re shocked at ourselves when we miss a snap in the first 12 seconds of a crucial championship. We’re humiliated when we toss wobbly interceptions in a legacy-affirming game. Like Manning—our eyes say it all, too (just ask our families).

This is the reason we must absorb Bible principles into the deep parts of our psyche—long before our troubles occur.

The ordeal will finally end…

And Jesus will grab us by the shoulder pads and look us dead in the eye. “Buck up!” he’ll say. “Your legacy is safe with me! It is eternal. The best that you give ME wins you everlasting rewards. Trust me—and hit the gridiron again, with everything you’ve got!” 

“I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery! (Psalm 119:92)

Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. (Psalm 119:111)

“Look, I [Jesus] am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. (Revelation 22:12)

Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. (Hebrews 10:35)