Heading into yesterday’s matchup, not many expected the struggling Eagles (3-8-1 with Carson Wentz under center) and new starting rookie, QB Jalen Hurts, to knock off the 10-2 Saints.

Not only did the Eagles get the shocking and impressive win 24-21, but they did so by Hurts rushing for 106 yards and Miles Sanders rushing for 115 yards.

This happened against a New Orleans Saints’ defense who had previously gone 55 games in a row without allowing an opposing player to rush for 100 yards or more.

The Eagles have been one of the most talked-about teams this season, as their poor play and disappointing losses have been well- documented.

I still believe Carson Wentz can be a great quarterback in the NFL, but he hasn’t been playing well this season and the team needed a spark on offense.

The switch to Jalen Hurts seemed to make all the difference for the Eagles yesterday. They played inspired football, not only on offense but also on defense as the Eagles sacked Saints’ QB, Taysom Hill, five times.

The Eagles just seemed off for most of the season, but yesterday they were clicking and the win has given them some hope.

For multiple reasons, the Eagles have struggled this year resulting in criticism and negativity hanging over the team as the losses mounted up.

After feeling discouraged and defeated for most of the season, their spirits have been lifted and they can view their situation (slim playoff chances) and future differently.

Phillysportsnetwork.com has an article out with the headline, “INSTANT ANALYSIS: JALEN HURTS BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO THE EAGLES.”

Liam Jenkins wrote, “Hurts protected the ball (0 turnovers), was smart with his decision-making, and ultimately gave the offense a much-needed spark of life.”

Many of us today have experienced a very discouraging and difficult year. We feel defeated and need a spark. With negativity hanging over us, we desire to experience some changes. What we’re really looking for is the almighty, all-powerful God to breathe new life into us.

For some, it means becoming a follower of Jesus and receiving His Spirit into our lives, and experiencing His transformational saving power while being led by His spirit.

Before Jesus left this earth and returned to heaven, He gave His disciples the Holy Spirit as He says in John 20:21-22 (NLT): “’…Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you.’ Then He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’”

For those of us who have the Holy Spirit living within us, but we’ve allowed other things to get in the way, we need God to breathe new life into us.

We can ask Him to give us a spiritual renewal and restoration while praying for Him to “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10; ESV).

The Philadelphia Eagles found the spark they were looking for and played inspired football by showing some life again out on the field. This resulted in a win and a newfound hope.

Today, if we’re looking for a life change or our circumstances to improve, let’s ask God to breathe new life into us and our situations. When He enters, our spirits are lifted and we view our present situation and future much differently.

It is His Spirit, power, grace, and love that results in a “win and newfound hope.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for being willing to breathe Your life into me. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to guide me and comfort me. I pray I would experience a renewed hope as You breathe new life into me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS: