Most of us love the NFL and there are many reasons we do, but one of the best aspects of the league is how quickly teams can turn things around. Usually, it’s after a change at quarterback or head coach, but teams can go from worst to first in the matter of one or two seasons.
If we take a look at a few of the successful teams this year, we realize how things changed for them “overnight” after not having a great previous season.
The Cincinnati Bengals were 4-11 and last place in the division in 2020, but now this year’s AFC North champs are one of the most exciting teams heading into the playoffs.
The Patriots had one down season after Tom Brady left finishing 7-9, but are now back in the playoffs with a rookie QB, Mac Jones.
The Cowboys struggled without Dak Prescott last year and landed at 6-10, but quickly turned things around to win the NFC East this year.
The Los Angeles Chargers were 7-9 and the Philadelphia Eagles were 4-11 last year, which led both franchises to hire new head coaches. Brandon Staley and Nick Sirianni have quickly gotten their teams heading in the right direction.
Both teams are 9-7 with the Eagles already clinching a playoff spot and the Chargers with a good chance to do so, heading into Sunday night.
The NFL is special because it’s filled with parity and teams rotate making the playoffs each year. Washington, Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Baltimore were in the postseason last year and will (most likely) be replaced by different teams this year.
In an article on ProFootballTalk.com, Mike Florio writes, “It’s the kind of extreme turnover that makes the NFL more interesting, and that gets fans to embrace the notion that, in any given year, they’re only one year away from turning things around.”
As fans, we always have hope that one coaching change or one offseason addition can turn everything around. Even a team like the Lions who have been waiting for so long can still have hope that it’s possible to experience a transformation if the right moves are made.
With 2022 underway in our own lives, I’m sure there are many areas we hope will be different this year. Although waiting and patience are part of the rhythm of life, we can have faith that things can change quickly and finally click.
As followers of Jesus, there is a lifelong process of growth and maturity, but when we look at New Testament miracles, Jesus also turned things around for people in an instant.
He has the power and ability to quickly change the course of our lives. It’s up to us to go to Him, trust Him, and allow Him to transform our hearts and our circumstances.
Things may not always happen as fast as we want them to, but we know with Jesus, it’s possible.
Usually, we need to take one step of faith, make one wise decision, and admit we need His healing before He suddenly turns everything around. Of course, some aspects will take time to recalibrate, but He can put the change in motion right away.
The following are three stories about Jesus’ healing power and miraculous work on display when people encountered Him:
Mark 1:40-42 (NLT) tells us, “A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. ‘If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,’ he said.
“Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ He said. ‘Be healed!’ Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed.”
Another story in Matthew 9:2-7 (NLT) says, “Some people brought to Him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.’
“But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, ‘That’s blasphemy! Does He think He’s God?’ Jesus knew what they were thinking, so He asked them, ‘Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say “Your sins are forgiven,” or “Stand up and walk?”‘
“‘So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.’ Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, ‘Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!’ And the man jumped up and went home!”
Finally, a man was an invalid for thirty-eight years, but John 5:8-9 (ESV) explains, “Jesus said to him, ‘Get up, take up your bed, and walk.’ And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.”
If NFL fans can be filled with hope and “embrace the notion that, in any given year, they’re only one year away from turning things around,” let’s realize when we surrender to Jesus and place our faith and hope in Him, He has the power and ability to change everything “at once” or “instantly.”
Here’s to 2022 being the year things turn around!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that You’d show me the steps I need to take for real change to happen in my life. I know Your power can flip things around quickly and I trust You to move in a major way this year. My hope is in You because You are the One who transforms lives. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
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What healing do you need or what do you hope will change this year?
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Has there been a time in your life when God changed your heart or circumstances instantly?
