| On February 2, 1999, a tearful and frail Walter Payton held a press conference to deliver the devastating news that he had a rare liver disease. During his thirteen-year career with the Chicago Bears the powerful Payton missed only one game and set lasting records of career rushing yards (16,726), single game rushing yards (275), and number of games with at least 100 yards gained (77).
Walter Payton, number 34, Hall of Famer, was soon to leave us at age 45. His Coach Mike Ditka said, "He's the best football player I've ever seen. To me, that's the ultimate compliment." Possessed with an amazing combination of speed and power, Payton dazzled fans and foes alike, either by barreling over defenders or by simply running past them. "Sweetness" they called him-not only for his prowess on the field, but for his charitable kindness off the field.
For his last nine months Walter Payton battled an opponent more formidable than any he had faced before. Reflecting on life and death, he said, "It's not in my hands any more. It's in God's."
During this time, Walter Payton made his peace with God. Although he had been a good man, something was missing from his life. Knowing time was short and embracing the universal truth that "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27), Walter trusted Jesus as his Savior. He claimed the biblical promise that "Whoever believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him" (John 3:36). Payton was ready to face eternity.
Death finally tackled Walter Payton on November 1, 1999. One of Walter's closest friends and Bears' teammate, Mike Singletary, was with Walter throughout his illness, praying and reading the Scriptures. Singletary said, "I have never seen a person as at peace with himself as Walter. What I experienced this weekend was by far the best of Walter Payton." "Sweetness" finished well!
For those of us who loved and admired Walter, his place in sports history is secure. But more important, his standing before God is eternally secure. Walter will live with God in heaven forever, for he had come to know His Savior, Jesus Christ.
Have you made your peace with God through Jesus Christ? Since "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23), you must get right with God.
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