There is blue and orange in the future for Peyton Manning. The star NFL quarterback is reportedly trading the horseshoe for the horse by signing a new contract with the Denver Broncos, putting an end to the speculation of what would happen to his storied career.
Manning, who is 35 years old, parted company with the Indianapolis Colts less than two weeks ago after a glittering 14-year career at the NFL franchise. Not only did he help the Colts earn a Super Bowl title in 2007, but he is also a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. Leaving the Colts was not an easy decision for Manning, or the team’s management. Both Manning and Colts owner Jim Irsay were very emotional at a press conference announcing the news on March 7.
Today, Manning is likely in another emotional place. He is undoubtedly feeling excitement for the opportunity to play with a new team. However, after playing with the same team for 14 years and creating a home for himself in Indiana, there may be seem uncertainty as well when it comes to taking on a new role in Denver with the Broncos. With Manning signing to the Broncos, that means uncertainty for another famed NFL quarterback as well. Rumors have already begun circulating that the Broncos will trade their current quarterback, Tim Tebow, to the Patriots.
Manning and Tebow are definitely not the first people to feel like life is handing them a fumble that they must now recover. Think about the times you’ve had a sudden illness in the family, lost a job due to downsizing or got in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. Just like these two star quarterbacks, life often takes unexpected turns for the rest of us as well.
When these fumbles hit our own lives, it’s difficult to let go of our original plans. It’s the rare person who adapts easily and takes the challenge with enthusiasm. However, that is exactly what God wants for us. God has a plan for each and every one of us, and that plan includes the fumbles in life, as well as the touchdowns.
“Trust in the Lords with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 is a good reminder for all of us when we hit a roadblock in life that no matter how tough things get, we must have faith in the Lord that the roadblock has a purpose.
Keeping both Manning and Tebow in mind, this is a great lesson that teaches us no matter how much money we make, how much fame we gain, how much success we achieve; there will be unexpected hurdles that arise before us. It’s up to us to trust in God and rise to the occasion because it is only through the Lord and our trust in Him that we can push through the obstacles and set our paths straight again.