Devonta Freeman has had a productive career as the Atlanta Falcons starting running back rushing for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, he’s been plagued by injuries the last two seasons and in 2018 he went on injured reserve after week five with a groin injury.
As you’d expect, it was a tough time for Freeman. Upon looking back he said, “It was depressing. It was a down time for me. Because I couldn’t do what I loved to do. I was battling sometimes and some moments where I didn’t want to be bothered.”
Reporter Kelsey Conway explains in her AtlantaFalcons.com article titled, “Devonta Freeman Ready to Leave Dark Times Behind, Show Off ‘Stronger’ Version of Himself," that Freeman didn't remain in this state of mind or waste the season.
She writes, “The 2018 season tested Freeman in a big way but through the challenges, he was able to grow as a football player and person. Rather than sulking in negativity, Freeman found a different way to better himself while sidelined.
"With the physical limitations he had in place, Freeman evaluated his mental approach. He reached out to professional athletes in the NBA and MLB inquiring about their routines.
The experience – albeit not one he ever wants to repeat – made him better in every way.”
Freeman shares further, “I got stronger from that. I got closer to God. I learned how to be patient more. I better people skills. All around the stuff that I couldn’t do, I took advantage of the stuff I could do. I have a greater appreciation for life.”
It’s hard for a running back to miss most of the season during the prime of his career, but it’s encouraging to hear how he grew and got stronger because of his injury.
Just like Freeman, we experience dark times, depressing seasons, tough injuries, and disappointing circumstances.
During those times, are we more likely to sulk in negativity, complain, and give up...or do we view them as an opportunity to grow in certain areas of our lives?
Freeman was physically injured, so he focused on the mental and spiritual aspects of his life. How would our trials be more productive if we stopped dwelling on what wasn't happening or what we couldn’t do and instead viewed them through the lens of what we’re able to do?
It’s brutal to experience the challenges of life, but thankfully God uses them to strengthen us, grow us, and develop specific aspects of our character.
We can be encouraged by Romans 5:3-5 (NLT): “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
"And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”
Today, let’s not waste our hardships, but rather seek God...embrace the opportunities available to us,...and trust that when it’s over we can say, “I got stronger from that.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the tough times in life because I know You’re using them to strengthen my character and build my hope and trust in You. I pray I’d take advantage of the difficult seasons I go through and make the most of the opportunities that challenges can actually provide.
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