Prepare to be inspired by the incredible story of John David Crow, a former Texas A&M football player.

Back in the day, he played under the legendary Bear Bryant, a demanding coach known for his intensity and winning spirit. One day, the press showed up to watch a practice with Texas A&M, and Coach Bryant saw it as an opportunity to showcase their hard work. He pushed the players to the limits, going so far as to make some of them vomit and nearly pass out. It was an intense display of dedication that would likely be unacceptable today.

After the grueling practice session, the press departed, and the players were left physically exhausted. John David Crow, in particular, was at his absolute limit. Crawling into the locker room, he couldn’t even gather the strength to remove his uniform when he showered off. The situation was no different for many of his teammates. But just when they thought it was over, Coach Bryant announced it was time for the actual practice to begin. The players were crushed, emotionally and physically. Some of the starting team decided to quit on the spot, believing that it wasn’t worth the effort.

However, John David Crow made a pivotal decision. He refused to give up. He mustered every ounce of strength he had left and convinced the remaining players to join him back on the field. The team, barely able to stand, lined up at the scrimmage. Coach Bryant ordered them to run a play. Though their movements were feeble, they completed it. And just like that, practice was over. Confused and frustrated, John David Crow confronted Coach Bryant, questioning why he did what he did. He explained that they would have stayed if they had known it was just one more play. Coach Bryant responded by telling him that’s why they are no longer on the team. He needed players who wouldn’t quit when it got tough.

This experience transformed John David Crow’s life. He had been on the brink of giving up, feeling like he had nothing more to give. But Coach Bryant’s brutal test turned out to be a pivotal moment for him. It taught him the importance of commitment and perseverance, even in the face of adversity.

In today’s world, where the stakes are so much higher as followers of Christ, it’s crucial that we don’t quit the game. When we feel like we’re going backward, facing tension and setbacks, we must remember that God is always working behind the scenes. Even when we feel like we have nothing left to give, God is up to something remarkable. If we hang in there and allow perseverance to guide us, we will keep the faith to experience breakthroughs.

The next time you are tempted to give up, remember the inspiring story of John David Crow and let your endurance rise up to stay in the game of life.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.