NFL minicamps have wrapped up, training camps will start in a few weeks, the preseason is right around the corner, and the regular season will be here before we know it.

As sports fans, we can’t wait for football to return and for the opportunity to root for our favorite teams and players. However, we realize there are many changes and unknowns around the league.

A new season provides excitement about seeing how rookies look, how players fit in on new teams, and how well new head coaches perform.

Here are some of the more intriguing questions about new players, coaches, and situations bringing uncertainty and change to the upcoming year:

• How will Jerod Mayo fill the shoes left by Bill Belichick?

• With the Raiders removing the interim tag, will Antonio Pierce thrive as the head coach?

• How will Jim Harbaugh do as a head coach after being away from the NFL since 2015?

• Will head coach Dave Canales be the right fit in Carolina, and will second-year QB Bryce Young make drastic improvements leading the offense?

• Will Caleb Williams live up to the hype as the first overall pick and turn the Bears around?

• What rookie QB will win the battle and become the starter in Week 1 – Bo Nix, Drake Maye, or J.J. McCarthy?

• How good will the Commanders be with Dan Quinn taking over as head coach?

Before the real games begin in week one, we’ll continue to wonder how well the new players will face the unknowns and how coaches will handle the challenges of stepping into uncharted territory.

We’re curious to see how they’ll approach the game while playing with and coaching different guys and responding to the pressure of change.

Even veteran coaches will be confronted by a matchup with a rookie QB or head coach, making it a new challenge and a unique opportunity.

During this upcoming season, ultimately, every team is stepping into the unknown in some way. Like the players and coaches, we know what it’s like to face new challenges with a limited understanding of what’s in front of us.

Whether it’s having a baby, starting a new job, entering a fresh season of life, or moving to an unfamiliar area, these unknown and uncertain experiences can bring about temptations, struggles, and emotions that catch us off guard.

Stepping into unchartered territory can provide a unique opportunity but also be overwhelming and a true test.

Sometimes, it’s hard to prepare for something we haven’t seen or gone up against before, but we must figure out the best way to approach the unknown, embrace the challenge, and endure the process of change.

Thankfully, as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to do this alone because God is willing to show us how to navigate.

Psalm 119:105 (NLT) says, “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

We are on a step-by-step journey with Him as we walk through the unknown. Jesus understands what we’re facing and gives us the strength to work through the difficulties, especially as we battle sin and weakness.

Hebrews 4:15 (AMP) tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.”

We can also live with peace, knowing God is with us as we face new challenges and respond to the pressure of change and the fear of the unknown.

Psalm 118:6 (ESV) reminds us, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Today, when we enter the “field” and the uncertainty of life, let’s do so with confidence, trust, and peace because our Lord is with us and knows what to do.

As Oswald Chambers writes, “We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next.”

We can echo the prayer of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT): “…We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help.”

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Word as my guide, and thank you, Jesus, for being my strength, comfort, and peace. Please help me not to fear or give in to temptation as I face new challenges. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.