The Philadelphia Eagles are the best NFL team right now with a 7-1 record and an MVP candidate playing quarterback. Only in his second season, Carson Wentz has become one of the most dynamic and game-changing QBs in the league.

Wentz and Deshaun Watson are tied with 19 touchdown passes (league leaders), and Wentz has ignited the Eagles offense to be one of the most dangerous in the league.

Proving he’s a great leader and game manager, he also shows an amazing ability to move out of the pocket and extend plays. Considering he came from a small school on the FCS level (North Dakota State), this kind of early success in his career is very impressive.

In an interview with Scott Van Pelt, Wentz talked about a change taking place which is having an impact on the game. He explained, “I think the biggest thing is just the game’s slowing down, the preparation that we put in every week really comes to fruition on Sundays out here…having accelerated vision and knowing what to expect from defenses, that’s definitely made the game slow down…”

As sports fans, we know young players have a tough time transitioning to the next level because the game is so much faster and harder to process at once. It’s evident though, as the game slows down and players are able to see the field clearly, they’re able to have much more success.

In a similar way, it’s important for life to slow down long enough for us to have “accelerated vision” and be prepared to handle everything that life throws at us. The truth is, when life is so fast-paced and our heads are spinning with activity, it’s dififcult to thrive and know what God is calling us to do each day.

When we are rushing everywhere and there is too much to process at once, we can easily get knocked down and not see things clearly. As followers of Jesus, however, our lives should represent a great rhythm of rest and patience in order for things to slow down.

As we take the necessary time to think, pray, process, and prepare, we can be much more fruitful throughout our day.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 46:10 (AMP), “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.”

We can only be still if we slow down.

Also, Jesus had a lot of work to do on earth, and people were trying to pull Him in different directions all the time, but He understood the importance of slowing down. Luke 5:16 (NIV) says, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Today, let’s be encouraged to slow down our lives and trust God to meet us in the moments of rest and reflection…so we can have an “accelerated vision” to accomplish His work.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn’t get so caught up in being busy all the time, but instead learn to slow down. Show me the importance of rest and patience as I trust You in the stillness. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.