One of the sayings we hear football coaches say is, “We need to establish the run.” This means that early in the game they need to get their running back consistent carries.

Winning teams usually stay committed to the run – keeping the defense guessing while remaining balanced. But often times, however, a team struggles in the run game, gets impatient and starts throwing on most downs.

They no longer utilize their running back by handing it off to him, and put all the pressure on the quarterback to make plays.

While watching the game, we hear the commentator say, “It looks like they’ve abandoned the run.” This is because the holes aren’t opening up or they aren’t gaining as many yards as they hoped, or the deficit on the scoreboard seems too large.

The truth is, a solid running attack opens up the whole offense and establishing the run prepares and sets up the passing game. Even when it seems like they aren’t gaining any traction on the ground, the entire offense suffers when a team gives up on the run instead of remaining persistent.

I think in many ways this provides a picture of our prayer life – specifically during a difficult “game.” We start off praying passionately, knowing we need God to come through for us, provide, and deliver. Early on we establish a solid prayer life as we consistently seek God for answers.

But, oftentimes it seems like we’re hitting a wall…holes aren’t opening up…we’re not getting the yardage we hoped we would…and our deficit seems too large. Instead of utilizing the power of prayer, we abandon our communication with God and our impatience shifts our attention elsewhere.

We then put all the pressure on ourselves to “make plays,” instead of persistently running to Him in prayer and trusting Him.

As hard as it is when our circumstances don’t change right away and we feel like our prayers aren’t working, we must remain “committed to the run.” We can’t give up, but continue to turn to God and hand off our worries, fear, and concerns. Ultimately, we can trust that He hears our prayers and will answer them according to His will.

The Bible implores us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2 – AMP).

Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) drives this home, as well: “With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God’s people.”

Today, let’s not abandon our “prayer game” when it gets tough. Instead, let’s persistently turn back to God…trusting that He is preparing us for a breakthrough!

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m sorry that sometimes I abandon my prayers and stop trusting You. I confess to being impatient and taking matters into my own hands. I pray I’d keep relying on You for guidance and strength. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.