Without a doubt, my favorite story of this weekend’s Super Bowl was that of New York Giant’s middle linebacker, Chase Blackburn. After years of playing for the Giants, primarily on special teams, he was cut in 2011.  Unable to find another team to sign him, Blackburn became a substitute math teacher to make ends meet.  Then, in November of that same year, his phone rang and the Giant’s invited him back on the team.  He immediately established himself as a passionate player with plenty of life left in him.

Which brings us to Super Bowl XLVI.  It was the beginning of the 4th quarter with the New England Patriots leading the Giants 17-15. Tom Brady, the New England quarterback, steped back to pass.  Downfield he had one of the best tight ends in the league, Rob Gronkowski, heading toward the end zone in man-to-man coverage with this ex-schoolteacher in tow. It appeared that the Patriots would soon be adding six more points to their lead on the Giants.  Blackburn wouldn’t be so easily convinced though.  Staying with Gronkowski, Chase Blackburn turns, jumps and intercepts the pass.  In doing so, he turned the game around and the New York Giants went on to become the 2012 Super Bowl Champs.

Fifteen months earlier, Blackburn was a ‘has been’. On this day, he was a game changer.

What about you?  Where have you been told that you no longer have what it takes?  What part of your life have you had to set aside just to survive?  More importantly, what has your conclusion been concerning that part of your glory? 

I know from experience that when those desert experiences come the voices of the world around us and circumstances and the Enemy seem to scream in unison that our time has past.  Thus, so many men spend their years longing and reminiscing of ‘the glory days’. But what if those days aren’t really past?

Paul writes, ‘for God’s gift and his call are irrevocable’ (Romans 11:29).  You may have been sidelined for a while.  You may have been taken out of the game, but who you are has not changed.  God’s call on your life has not changed.  He has gifted you with unique qualities that only you can offer.  And the good news is: your phone is ringing.  The Coach is calling and inviting you back into the lineup.  Everyone else may tell you not to risk it and Satan will put every obstacle imaginable in your path, but come on, you know who you are.  You know, somewhere deep inside, that you were made for that one thing.

So please, take the call, suit up, and get back on the field.  It could change the outcome of everything.

To the King,

David