Peyton Manning underwent several neck surgeries and spinal fusion surgeries ahead of the 2011 season, which forced him to sit out for the entire year for the Indianapolis Colts. Since the Colts didn’t play him in 2012, they went 2-14. Many believed he would never play another game in the NFL, so the Colts cut him. Manning was still the right man to lead a team to the Super Bowl, but the timing was wrong for the Colts. The Denver Broncos picked up Manning, who quickly returned to his old form—and at times exceeded it—throwing for 4,659 yards and 37 touchdowns in his first season back from surgery. He followed that by shattering offensive records for the Broncos and delivered a Super Bowl win in 2016.

Exodus 2-3 – Deliverance

Like Peyton Manning, Moses was the right man, but his timing was wrong. Moses tried to do God’s will in his own way and time. He thought that by hiding the body of the Egyptian that he had just killed, he would not be discovered. Someone is always watching. That “Someone” is God! The theme of Exodus is deliverance, and you can’t have deliverance without a deliverer. That’s where Moses comes in to eventually deliver his people from suffering. No group of people in history has suffered as the Hebrew people have suffered. However, God kept His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) to bless them and curse those who curse His people.

Deliverance is defined as “a rescue from bondage or danger.” God’s delays aren’t evidence of indifference. He hears our cries, sees our difficulties, feels our anguish, and remembers His promises. He will perform what He has promised, for He never breaks His covenant with His people. When the right time comes, God goes to work. Moses eventually became the right man at the right time to deliver God’s people.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete don’t question God’s timing when experiencing challenging circumstances. They are confident He will keep His promises and will ultimately deliver us from peril. Not because we deserve to be rescued but as an expression of His mercy and love.

Bible Memory Verse – “But, indeed, for this reason I have caused you to stand, in order to show you My power and in order to recount My name through all the earth.” Exodus 9:16 (LSB)