Having A Deep Bench

Having a Deep Bench

The game that broke my heart in 1993 has been dubbed “The Comeback.” Frank Reich, in for the injured starter Jim Kelly, was the hero, forever blessing head coach Marv Levy and the city of Buffalo. Reich led the Bills back from a 32-point deficit to win against my Houston Oilers with a final score of 41–38. Let’s just say, it was a heartbreaking day for me and all of my friends as we looked on in disbelief.

This wasn’t the first comeback engineered by Reich. As a matter of fact, as a backup quarterback for the University of Maryland Terrapins, he had led the Terps back from a 31–0 deficit to a 42–40 win over the University of Miami Hurricanes in 1984.

A football team’s season is only as deep as their bench. Invariably, someone in a key position is going to go down and suffer an injury. Having depth on the bench with players ready to come in to give the team the spark they need is fundamental to winning in the long run.

Whether you lead an organization or feel like you are on the bench waiting for your chance to get in the game, remember these words: “Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer” (Proverbs 25:13).

If you are the leader, keep in mind that there is nothing like having a bench full of faithful difference makers. If you are on the bench and hoping to get in to the game, prepare every day as if your number will be called.

Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.

Proverbs 25:13