In sports, coaches and players do a great job of following trends and learning from each other. With the Philadelphia Eagles finding success last year by playing an aggressive and fearless style, the league has taken notice.

Tim McManus wrote an article for ESPN.com with the headline: “Going for it: Aggressive-Minded NFL Follows in Wake of Eagles’ Success.”

The article explains how teams are now more willing to go for it on fourth down and attempt the two-point conversion instead of settling for the extra point.

ESPN Stats and Information and Elias Research put together this interesting data:

  • There have been 59 two-point conversion attempts so far this season, which is the most through Week 7 since the rule was instituted in 1994.

  • Teams have gone for two points in the first half 12 times, the most through Week 7 since at least 2001. The previous high in that span was seven.

  • Fourth-down tries are also on the rise. Teams have gone for it on fourth down 200 times. That’s the second-most fourth-down conversion attempts through Week 7 since at least 1991.

Coaches show confidence in their offense when they decide to take these calculated risks, and the aggressive approach invigorates the whole team. It doesn’t mean it always works out perfectly, but the bold mentality gives teams more opportunities to score.

Some coaches may view going for it on fourth down as too risky and not worth the gamble, but oftentimes their unwillingness is because they are afraid and lack the necessary faith in their team.

As followers of Jesus, faith is at the core of everything we believe. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) says, “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”

1 Corinthians 2:5 (ESV) says, “So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

As we walk closely with God, there are key moments in our lives when we must exercise a deep faith and make choices which outsiders may view as “risky,” “not normal,” or “taking a gamble.”

In these moments we demonstrate our faith in God by obeying what He is clearly leading us to do. We don’t act irrational or unwise, but in faith, we boldly go for it.

When we step out in faith, we reveal that our trust and confidence is in an all-knowing, loving, and powerful God. Today, instead of playing it safe, let’s take a faithful risk forward. Let’s choose to see what amazing things God does when we decide to really “go for it!”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I ask that You give me a big faith. Help me have the boldness and confidence to go for it when I feel You leading me to go a certain direction. I pray I wouldn’t let fear or normalcy get in the way of taking faithful risks. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.