But underlying that discipline, more often than cynical journalists often let on, is God's grace, which Martin took to heart in 1993. He says, "The more I followed God, the more he helped me develop godly thoughts. That changed my attitude and then my behavior. God took away my confusion and fears."

 Martin is better-known and better-paid than the salesman who believes in following God's will by going out day after day to find out what his customers need, or the mom who doesn't miss a carpool assignment -- but the goal is the same: perseverance, an unnatural trait in a society that emphasizes immediate gratification.

 Faith in God doesn't spare believers from disappointment. With the Jets trailing Baltimore 17-14 in the fourth quarter but nearing the end zone, it looked like the pounding runner could lead his team to victory. When he gained only four yards in his next two carries, though, New York had to settle for a field goal that sent the game into overtime.

 In that extra period, the pounding runner gained only three yards and Baltimore won the game. But he's still able to profess, "God is the One who protects me on the field just like he did when I was in the streets." That's also perseverance.