Day 5: When the Shoes Don’t Fit

DAY 2 THERE’S A SCRIPTURE FOR THAT

Teddy Bridgewater Pro Bowl Quarterback Carolina Panthers

By Del Duduit

The L will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the L will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

—Psalm 121:7–8 NIV

Everyone has struggles and challenges in life. Sickness does not discriminate or care if you are a player in the NFL or work a 9-5 job in a small town.

No matter who you are or what you do, chances are you will encounter a problem at some point in your life.

Teddy Bridgewater had some setbacks early in life, but his biggest struggle in life wasn’t with something that happened to him. His mother, Rose, fought cancer, and won by the grace of God.

But in those tough days, some of which were grim, he observed how she never lost hope, and it inspired him.

“She told me to never give up hope,” he said. “She told me no matter what, to always be happy and stay humble and keep a smile on your face. She always said that.”

His mother emphasized Jeremiah 29:11, which gives instruction to have hope for the future.

“That was her main message to me ever since I was a kid growing up,” he said. “To always have hope and trust God, because He is the only one who can give you peace.”

Teddy also learned the Bible is full of Scriptures that apply to everyday life.

“I had a couple of setbacks early in my life, and I relied on my faith and dove into the Word,” he said. “It doesn’t matter the circumstance you face, there is a Bible verse to fit that need. There are different ones that apply to different occasions. But it’s amazing that you can find one to fit any circumstance.”

Teddy’s strength and comfort came from within the pages of the Bible, but he was encouraged by the determination of his mother, who fought cancer with grace and toughness.

“You just have to be led by the spirit because the flesh is weak,” he added. “You have to depend on the spirit of God for strength and comfort. If your spirit is in line, I think everything else falls into place.”

Be still before the L and wait patiently for him. —Psalm 37:7 NIV

In the Huddle

You are not excluded from facing challenging times. Perhaps you have gone through the loss of a job or the end of a special friendship. Maybe you or a loved one have suffered through illness or you are coming off the heels of a tragedy. Where do

you find comfort? What verses do you go to in times of trouble? Life is full of ups and downs. But like Teddy said, there are words in the Bible that fit any and every occasion.

Cross the Goal Line

Just because you are a child of the King does not exempt you from heartache. But God promises in His word that He will never leave you or forsake you. You have a choice to let Him comfort you through the blessed Scriptures or try to face the battles alone. Here are some examples of the powerful and healing verses that you can lean on during a trial:

• To overcome fear: Fear is real and can be caused by many circumstances. Perhaps you have lost your job, and you fear the future. Maybe your spouse has passed away, and you fear loneliness. Sickness brings the fear of uncertainty. But you can learn to conquer fear with God’s help.

“ e L is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? e L is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV). “For I am the L your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV). • To overcome suffering: e Lord has not promised you a life without suffering. You see it every day on the news, or you maybe you are living through it right now. But God did tell you that He will walk with you in the valley. H will stay by your side and give you grace. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing

with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17–18 NIV). • To rise above hardships: No one wants to go through battles, but it’s part of the journey of life. Teddy’s mom did not want to go through cancer, but she faced it with the grace of God. For strength and a guiding light, you can overcome hardships. “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5 NIV). “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV). • To overcome spiritual attacks: The devil wants you to stumble and take your sights off the Master. But you can fight back with the Word of God: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). God will never harm you. “The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18 NIV). The Lord will come to your rescue at the right moment.

Teddy grew to love the Bible and reads it daily. He said God’s Word has never changed and has always been his inspiration. He knows where to go when struggles come his way. “I lean on them to help me through the times of turmoil or setback,” he said. “Or in life in general. In sad or happy times. All types of things are in there, and there is a Scripture to go along with it. I have to read it every day.”