Everyone remembers how the Atlanta Falcons collapsed in the Super Bowl by allowing the Patriots to overcome the 28-3 deficit late in the 3rd quarter to win the game. But as devastating as that loss was, the 2016 Falcons had a very strong team throughout the season.

They led the league with 33.8 points per game, and quarterback Matt Ryan was the NFL’s MVP. Their offense was dynamic with Julio Jones catching passes and Devonta Freeman running all over defenses.

This season, however, they are 3-3 and their offense has taken a big step back. Ryan’s passer rating has dropped from 117.1 to 89.3, and they are scoring only 21.3 points per game. Questions and concerns are now being raised about losing three games in a row.

Even though the media and fans want the Falcons to be as good as they were last season, and continue to make comparisons, Matt Ryan has expressed his thoughts on not looking back and dwelling on the past.

He recently said, “We can’t worry about last year. I know that constantly gets brought up, but as players we are not thinking about last year.

“We are not playing good enough as a unit in 2017. Frankly, I don’t really care to go back to 2016. It’s not useful for us.”

Last season is over for the Falcons, and Ryan is right to move on by focusing on what’s in front of them. This principle is not only important in sports, but also in how we live our lives.

As we follow after Jesus, we’re always going to be changing and growing. Who we are today is not the same as who we once were. Matt Ryan’s perspective that “we can’t worry about last year” has merit when it comes to placing importance on who we’re becoming in the moment.

Whether our “last year” was great or terrible, it’s over now and we need to let go of the past. Even if we’ve taken a step back in certain areas, and liked who we were last year better than who we are this year, we know we can make the necessary adjustments by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

By keeping our focus on the exciting opportunities God has in store for us, and knowing we will one day spend eternity with Him, we can continue to faithfully press on each and every day.

Paul affirms this in Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT), “No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Today, let’s join Matt Ryan by not dwelling on “last year,” but looking forward to what lies ahead for us as we follow Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t want to dwell on the past and miss out on what You’re doing in me and through me today. I know I’m on this journey of faith, and I desire to keep pressing on…to finish strong and continuously walk with Jesus. I pray for strength and the right focus. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.