With many positives coming out of Sunday’s slate of games such as rookies playing well, surprising teams like the Bears taking it to another level, and teams getting their first win of the season, there was also the unfortunate trend of dropping passes.

Every game I watched seemed to have players dropping the ball. Veteran tight end, Benjamin Watson, dropped a touchdown… running back, Alfred Blue, turned his head without securing the ball…and even one of the best wide receivers, Larry Fitzgerald, missed out on three catches.

J.J. Nelson and Christian Kirk both had opportunities for huge plays, but couldn’t hang on to the ball thrown by Josh Rosen. Then the much anticipated starting debut of QB, Baker Mayfield, included four dropped passes in a row by his wide receivers.

The Super Bowl champs were involved in the drops too. Wide receiver, Nelson Agholor, allowed four passes to slip through his hands.

Drops can happen for a number of reasons – a lack of focus, fear of getting hit, not being strong enough to hang on, or trying to make a play without receiving it first.

I’d like to unpack the last reason because it’s obvious, yet very crucial. Of course, a player can’t do anything with the ball unless he receives it first. If he tries to head up the field without receiving and securing the pass, he’s going to drop the ball and miss out on the opportunity.

In a similar sense, each one of us should realize how crucial it is for us to receive advice, instruction, and wisdom before making a decision or “making a play.”

If we just “head up the field” without first getting the necessary knowledge and understanding, we’re going to drop the ball.

Proverbs 2:1-5 (ESV) explains the value of wisdom by saying, “My son, if you receive My words and treasure up My commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

It’s critical we receive clear direction from the Lord before we make a move, as well as, listen to the wise counsel of people we trust and respect.

Proverbs 19:20 (CSB) encourages us to “Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.”

We know the disappointment of watching a player drop the ball and miss out on a great opportunity to make a play because he didn’t first receive what was most important.

Today, let’s be reminded of how important it is to first receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, along with His grace, Spirit, and love. Then, let’s live in a way that seeks His direction…receiving the wisdom and understanding He provides.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father thank you for allowing me to receive wisdom from You. Help me not to move forward without it. I’m grateful for the direction You give me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.