Unpack This... What It Takes for a ComebackChikamu

Positive Perseverance

Before the 2016 NFL season started, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater tore his ACL and dislocated his knee during a non-contact practice play with the Minnesota Vikings.

Following surgery, his doctor explained, “Most people have no idea the volume of the workload this kid [Bridgewater] had to put in. He had a toothpick of a leg he had to rebuild."

Bridgewater went from facing the possibility of amputation to missing almost two football seasons, to replacing an injured Drew Brees in 2019 and going 5-0 as a starter.

In 2020, he signed a $63 million contract with the Carolina Panthers as the starting quarterback and is now on the Miami Dolphins.

Bridgewater’s comeback story is very inspiring, and past tweets reveal his positive perspective:

“While riding in back of that ambulance, I didn’t know what my football future had in store for me. In the midst of so much uncertainty and pain, I found peace and purpose in my life.”

“I never asked God why this happened to me, I’ve only told him, thank you. A year later, he’s showing me why this happened to me.”

Bridgewater's return is truly remarkable, but his joy and thankfulness throughout his trial is also very encouraging.

Proverbs 17:22 says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a joyful mind causes healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”

When we encounter challenges in life, do we get mad about our situation and question God...or choose joy, hope, and thankfulness?

It’s not easy to be positive and persevere during devastating circumstances, but as followers of Jesus, we can find hope in what He told His disciples before returning to heaven: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).

Today, let's keep persevering with thankfulness by trusting Jesus to carry us through. Let's choose to “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me remain joyful as I choose to persevere during difficult trials. Thank you for never leaving me and giving me Your peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

For more sports and faith devotionals, visit unpackinit.com.