Just when we thought the NFL was doing away with a reliance on running backs, we’re seeing a resurgence at that position.

Last year rookies like Josh Jacobs, Devin Singletary, David Montgomery, and Miles Sanders all made significant contributions to their teams. Plus, the league is top-heavy at the position with other young workhorse running backs that can do it all like Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, and Alvin Kamara.

However, the most accomplished running back in the NFL is heading into his 14th season and that’s future first-ballot Hall of Famer, Adrian Peterson. Despite his age, last year he rushed for 898 yards for the Redskins to add to his career total of 14,216, which ranks him 5th all time.

Peterson is an elite running back who has all the physical characteristics you want in a ball carrier, but one attribute that especially stands out is his great vision.

We know quarterbacks must have clarity when looking across the field to see where the open receivers are, but it’s also paramount for a running back to have a strong vision.

Throughout his career, Peterson has had opened eyes and the ability to see the holes…to determine where the defense is going…and to find the end zone.

Running backs who sustain success in the NFL will demonstrate effective vision on each and every play. Similarly, as valuable as it is for an NFL player to have the proper vision, followers of Jesus must have a clear vision daily.

We must be able to see holes that open up in our lives…be aware of the defense trying to tackle us…and fix our eyes on the end zone.
The way we do this is by having a clear picture of what the Bible says, understanding who Jesus is, and recognizing when our vision is blurred.

Proverbs 29:18 (AMP) explains, “Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His Word], the people are unrestrained; but happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God].”

When our vision is in line with God’s will and we’re trusting His plan, we’ll see the “holes” open up for us to run through because we’re viewing things through His lens and according to His Word.

Psalm 119:105 (TLB) says, “Your Words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling.”

Today, let’s open our eyes to see the goodness and faithfulness of God as we cling to His Word and seek His guidance. Let’s make this our daily prayer:

“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (Psalm 119:18; NLT).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Word. I pray to have a clear picture of the life You want me to live, and to see the holes or doors You’re opening up for me. I pray my vision and eyes would be fixed on Jesus. In His mighty name, I pray, Amen.