A NEW Beginning!

     Last Sunday night, Peyton Manning showed why he is one of the greatest QB's to ever play the game.   Despite being written off by many, after suffering a neck injury and missing the 2011 season, the QB got off to a FRESH start in 2012 by throwing his 400th TD pass, becoming only the 3rd QB in history to do so.  His incredible journey over the last year teaches us a couple of vital lessons.

     First, his story shows us that you can still be productive despite experiencing pain in the past.  After suffering the neck injury, many questioned his ability to ever play football again.  Instead of remembering all of the previous passing records that he set, many folks only focused on his pain.  Has that ever been your experience?  People overlook the positives in your life and only point to what has caused you pain.  However Peyton shows us that having painful experiences doesn't have to paralyze our productivity. Despite being 36, the headlines Monday morning read, "Peyton look like old Manning last night."  Much of this can be attributed to the hard work he has put in over the past year.  Similarly, God often uses pain not to disable us but instead to develop us for greater productivity.

     Secondly, his story illustrates that you can triumph even when you've been traded!  Despite developing the Indianpolis Colts into one of the most successful NFL teams and even helping them win a championship, Peyton was thrown under the bus by his former team.  Have you ever been kicked to the curb?  It can be difficult especially when you're dismissed by someone you've helped develop.  But from his experience we learn that even when one team sees you as useless there's another team that sees you as useful and will give you another chance! 

Today, if you've had a painful past or have been put on waivers by your former team, the Good News is that TEAM JESUS wants to give you a new beginning and help you experience true victory!

PEACE!