The crazy NFL offseason continues as the Philadelphia Eagles traded away their former franchise quarterback, Carson Wentz, to the Indianapolis Colts yesterday. Just a few years ago, Wentz was in the MVP conversation, got hurt, and Nick Foles took over leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl win.
Since that time, Wentz has been inconsistent and last year he especially struggled on the field - throwing too many interceptions and getting sacked regularly.
The Eagles' offense was in disarray and he took a lot of the blame for their losses. Appearing to lack confidence, momentum, and chemistry, Wentz also held onto the ball too long and wasn’t getting the best protection from his offensive line. Toward the end of the season, he was benched in favor of rookie QB, Jalen Hurts.
However, despite his recent poor play, criticism, and disappointing end in Philly, he's only 28 and the Colts are giving him a fresh start. They believe he can return to the effective winning quarterback he once was.
The former 2nd overall pick was previously a thriving quarterback on the rise and as he reunites with his former coach, Frank Reich, the question becomes, will Carson Wentz revive his career in Indianapolis? I believe he will and I love this move for Wentz and Indy.
As we think about Wentz's opportunity to experience a revival in his football career, I wonder how many of us require our own revival? What aspects of our lives need to be revived and restored?
This morning as I was reading Billy Graham’s book, Hear My Heart, these words jumped out to me: “The meaning of the word 'revive' in the Old Testament is 'to recover,' 'to restore,' 'to return' to God’s standard for His people. The word for 'revive' in the New Testament means 'to stir up' or 'to rekindle a fire that is slowly dying.'"
With last year's challenges, many of us have found ourselves taking steps backward by “throwing too many interceptions” and “getting sacked regularly.”
Our lives have been in disarray and we’re lacking confidence and momentum. With the lack of human interaction and fellowship, our “offensive line” hasn’t been intact and we’re not thriving like we once were.
Thankfully, we don’t have to remain discouraged and continue down the wrong path because God allows us to be revived. He desires for our return to Him and He will give us a fresh start.
Psalm 23:3 (ESV) declares, "He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.”
Isaiah 55:7 (CSB) says, "Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.”
Maybe sin has been dragging us down...or the pressures of life have caused our spiritual lives to suffer. Perhaps our prayer life and time in God's Word need a spark...or maybe our marriage needs to be restored after a difficult season.
Today, there is hope for revival as we follow Jesus and rely on the Holy Spirit inside of us.
Let's pray Psalm 51:10 (AMP), "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me."
Carson Wentz is hoping to once again play up to the standard of an elite NFL quarterback. He wants to rekindle a career that has been slowly dying.
We may currently find ourselves in a tough spot, but let’s ask the Lord to stir up our passion for His Word and to give us a strong desire for living according to His standard.
Psalm 19:7 (NLT) says, "The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
As some of us root for Carson Wentz to revive his career in Indy, let’s be encouraged to seek God and experience revival in our own hearts and relationships.
Today, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40; ESV).
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please revive and restore me. I pray You’d renew a right and steadfast spirit within me and rekindle my passion for You and Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways do you personally need to be revived?
How have you experienced revival or restoration previously in your life?
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