New York Yankees’ right fielder, Aaron Judge, is one of the best players in Major League Baseball. As a young player who has yet to sign his first huge contract (it’s all relative), his career earnings from 2013 to 2021 were just over $17 million. He will make at least $17 million in 2022 and based on his performance this year (and throughout his career), he’ll be paid accordingly on his next deal.

What makes his situation interesting is that before the season began, Judge was offered a seven-year $213.5 million contract extension. However, he passed on it and decided to “bet on himself” so he could become a free agent at the end of this year. He’s trusting himself to have another impressive season that would allow him to demand even more money, potentially from another team besides the Yankees.

It’s always bold for a player to believe he can do enough to earn a bigger contract than the one offered, and take the risk of not playing well or even getting injured. Judge, however, has enough faith in himself to depend on his talent and abilities to create enough value to give him the contract he desires. He’s going to play hard and do what he can to accomplish success as he “bets on himself.”

In sports, this strategy sometimes works out, but oftentimes it doesn’t. When it comes to our own lives, we can mistakenly take the approach of “betting on ourselves.” Based on our mindset and decisions, we place such an emphasis on believing in ourselves that we don’t go to God for strength or guidance. We bet on our individual efforts to work hard while having faith in ourselves that we will accomplish success.

It’s such a risky approach to bet on our own abilities and plans to provide fulfillment and meaning in life or try to make the best choices based on our minimal understanding.

Jeremiah’s prayer in Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV) reminds us of the truth: “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”

Betting on ourselves to do what’s necessary to experience joy, peace, and patience is foolish. When we bet on ourselves, our money, and our talents to do whatever we want, we fail to realize that God is the One who created us and He has a far better purpose and plan for us to follow.

God wants us to rely on Him and put all of our faith and trust in Him, instead of ourselves. Being so limited, why do we bet on ourselves when the God of the universe wants to guide us and help us with His unlimited strength, power, and grace?

As the Psalmist declares in Psalm 121:2 (CSB): “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 73:26 (NLT) says, “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.”

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:5 (AMP), “Not that we are sufficiently qualified in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency and qualifications come from God.”

Unfortunately, self-reliance and self-sufficiency are very prevalent – especially when so many people are living in a way that indicates they’re betting on themselves to do enough good things to earn salvation without realizing they can never do enough.

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV), “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Thankfully, the pressure isn’t on us to perform because we have been given a much better offer that we have no reason to pass on and it’s guaranteed to work out. We can “bet on” Jesus and place our hope and faith in His death and resurrection. He’s the One who lived a perfect life and is worthy to be followed and trusted.

Ultimately, we are mortal, feeble, and weak humans who can do nothing of significance on our own. God is the source and sustainer of life, Jesus is the only one who can save us from our depravity, and the Holy Spirit is the one who enables us to have peace, joy, and patience.

Let’s stop “betting on ourselves” and instead, “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11; ESV).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my self-reliance. I know You are worthy to be trusted and Your way is the best. I thank You for saving me by grace through faith and I know it’s not based on anything I do. I pray I would rely on You for each decision I make instead of betting on myself to come up with answers based on my limited understanding. I know Jesus is the answer and choose to follow Him. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

  1. In what ways are you mistakenly betting on yourself in life?

  2. What situation are you facing right now that you’re seeking God’s help and His strength?