Since 1979, only six teams have started the season 0-3 and made the playoffs, so the teams heading into Sunday with a 0-2 record desperately needed a win.
When teams find themselves 0-2, they need a spark, they must get their offense clicking, and their defense must boost the team. Six out of the seven winless teams (not the Titans) got their first win of the season on Sunday.
The Colts beat the Bears 21-16 as they got a spark from running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
The rushing attack spurred the Ravens to a 28-25 victory over the Cowboys. They rushed for 274 yards as a team, with Derrick Henry leading the way with 151 yards and two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the Panthers looked like a completely different team as they removed the starting quarterback, who was holding them back, and replaced him with Andy Dalton. Dalton threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns to propel Carolina to a 36-22 win in Las Vegas. (It was awesome!)
The Giants’ offense clicked on Sunday, but their defense allowed them to thrive. They recorded eight sacks and two forced fumbles against Deshaun Watson and the Browns on their way to a 21-15 win.
The Broncos had gotten off to a slow start this season, but rookie Bo Nix provided the spark the offense needed, not just in the air but also on the ground. He rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown as the Broncos dominated the Bucs 26-7.
Injuries have decimated the Rams so far this year, and they were struggling against the 49ers, down 14-24 halfway through the fourth quarter. However, they continued to rely on their running back, Kyren Williams, who ignited the offense and finished the day with three touchdowns.
For these six teams, they started 0-2, wondering what was going on, trying to figure out why things weren’t clicking, and they finally got the spark they needed.
Many of us today have been struggling spiritually. Our faith may be stagnant, and it just seems like things aren’t clicking. We feel like we’re 0-2, looking for answers and needing a spark.
We desire to ignite a vibrant relationship with Jesus, experience God’s presence, and hear His voice. Instead, we’re distracted, discouraged, depleted, and desperate for a “win.”
When this is the case, like the Panthers, we must be willing to make a change and remove whatever is holding us back.
As Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) tells us, “…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
What or who needs to be benched or replaced? We must most likely remove ourselves and our selfishness as we “hand the ball off” and let Jesus take over.
We also must get a boost from our “defense” through worship and gratitude as we defend against being complacent, jaded, distant, and drained.
As we long for the spark and want to thrive in our lives, we must be still and quiet before the Lord as we seek Him and “Come close to God [with a contrite heart], and He will come close to you…” (James 4:8; AMP).
Psalm 145:18 (NLT) says, “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth.”
Psalm 23:3 (ESV) declares, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
For things to click spiritually, we must continue to pursue truth in God’s Word and ask Him to spark our understanding.
Psalm 19:7 (AMP) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
We can pray Psalm 119:18 (AMP), “Open my eyes [to spiritual truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.”
Today, let’s be encouraged by the six teams that found a spark on Sunday. Their season doesn’t seem so dark and bleak, as they found some light.
As followers of Jesus, we know He is the light, the spark, and the One who makes things click, and any lasting change we desire starts with Him.
So let’s turn to Him, look to Him, rest in Him, and echo the words of David as he sings this to the Lord in Psalm 18:28 (NLT): “You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m desperate for a change and a spark in my spiritual life. Forgive me for becoming distracted and complacent. I desire to draw near to You. Help me to do so with a humble heart, and ignite a passion in me as You restore my soul. You are so kind and gracious. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
