Fans of the Bills, Bucs, Packers, Lions, Chiefs, and Texans are all fired up about their impressive Wild Card wins. Those teams showed up, did what they needed to do, and executed in a way that led to victory. On the flip side, when it comes to evaluating the teams that lost (especially the Eagles, Cowboys, Browns, and Dolphins), we have to point to what they didn’t do. They didn’t step up.
They didn’t rise to the occasion.
They didn’t get it done.
They didn’t handle the pressure well.
They didn’t adjust at all or in the right way.
They didn’t prepare properly.
They didn’t take advantage of the opportunity.
They knew what they needed to do and didn’t execute.
They didn’t make the necessary plays.
They didn’t do what they were capable of with the players they have. Shockingly, the Cowboys had one of the top offenses, a stout defense, and home-field advantage, yet they were the first team to lose to a 7-seed. It’s crazy and unacceptable what they allowed to happen as the Packers scored 48 points against them. Meanwhile, the Eagles, coming off a Super Bowl appearance last year, were a no-show on Monday Night as they fell flat and put an embarrassing weak effort together against the Bucs. The Cowboys and Eagles had the ability, the roster, and experience to do something in the playoffs, but unfortunately, they didn’t come through and do what needed to be done. But instead of continuing to criticize these teams for losing, and what they didn't do, I'd like for us to evaluate our own lives today. How often have we not stepped up and done what we're capable of doing? How many situations have we been a “no-show” and didn’t execute appropriately? As followers of Jesus, we don’t have to be filled with shame or regret. Still, we do need to be willing to acknowledge and confess the times we didn’t rise to the occasion, didn’t handle the pressure well, didn’t adjust at all or in the right way, didn’t prepare properly, or didn’t take advantage of the opportunity. We must learn from these instances when we put an embarrassing weak effort together and be willing to do what is necessary to “win” the next time. Usually, when we talk about sin we focus a lot on what we did that was wrong, but what about the things we didn’t do that we should have? James 4:17 (ESV) tells us, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” Sometimes we are called to “make a play” and obey but instead decide not to step in or speak up or execute what God’s Word teaches, even though we know what needs to be done. These are the convicting situations when we actually say “no” to God and fail to do something He’s asking us to do. But moving forward, let’s be encouraged to show up and win as we rely on Jesus to do what is right. Let's remember we're capable of doing so because “By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence" (2 Peter 1:3; NLT). I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not doing what I know is right. Help me obey and execute Your plan as I trust in You. Please give me the strength to step up and show up in the different ways You need me to. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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