Wisdom for Winning in LifeSample

Sustained

Lauren Dungy, wife of former NFL coach and current commentator Tony Dungy, once told me that she and Tony weren’t exempt from what Jesus revealed in John 16:33: “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.”

“When our family, friends, and the community see that we face difficulties like anyone else,” Lauren said, “then we can communicate how our personal relationship with Jesus Christ sustains us.”

Lauren couldn’t have anticipated the trials that would come their way.

First, though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the playoffs four times, Tony was fired after just six seasons. Tony and Lauren responded to the termination graciously.

They invited all the former Bucs staff who had lost their jobs to come to their home and encouraged them by the words of Psalm 37 to “be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act.”

The second trial to face the Dungy family was a far greater tragedy. Just days after leading his new team, the Indianapolis Colts, to an 11–0 record, Tony and Lauren received news that their oldest son had committed suicide.

Though devastated, Tony and Lauren continued to proclaim God’s love and goodness—showing that God does indeed sustain us during life’s most difficult times. As Psalm 37 also says, “Trust him, and he will help you.”

Roxanne Robbins

How have you experienced faith in Jesus that sustained you in life’s darkest hours? What happens when you truly trust in Him?

God, life is hard. But I trust that You will see me through!