One of the sayings we hear football coaches say is, “We need to establish the run.” This means that early in the game they need to get their running back consistent carries.
Winning teams usually stay committed to the run – keeping the defense guessing while remaining balanced. But oftentimes, a team struggles in the run game, gets impatient, and starts throwing on most downs.
They no longer utilize their running back by handing it off to him, and put all the pressure on the quarterback to make plays.
While watching the game, we hear the commentator say, “It looks like they’ve abandoned the run.” This is because the holes aren’t opening up or they aren’t gaining as many yards as they hoped, or time is running out.
This was especially true last night as we saw the Packers give up on their running game and lose 34-27 to the Eagles. Their running back, Aaron Jones, only ran it 13 times for a measly 21 yards.
Packernews.com has this headline today: "Abandoning the Run Game Cost the Packers in the End in Their Loss to the Eagles."
The truth is, a solid running attack opens up the whole offense and establishing the run prepares and sets up the passing game. Even when it seems like they aren’t gaining any traction on the ground, the entire offense suffers when a team gives up on the run instead of remaining persistent.
I think in many ways this provides a picture of our prayer life – specifically during a difficult “game.” We start off praying passionately, knowing we need God to come through for us, provide, and deliver. Early on, we establish a solid prayer life as we consistently seek God for answers.
But, as months or even years pass by, we sometimes hit a wall. Holes don't open up…we don't get the yardage we hoped for…and time appears to be running out.
Instead of utilizing the power of prayer, we abandon our communication with God and our impatience shifts our attention elsewhere. We then put all the pressure on ourselves to “make plays,” and no longer trust God by running to Him in prayer.
As hard as it is when our circumstances don’t change right away and we feel like our prayers aren’t working, we must remain “committed to the run.”
We can’t give up, but continue to turn to God and hand off our worries, fear, and concerns. Ultimately, we can trust that He hears our prayers and will answer them according to His will.
The Bible implores us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2 – AMP).
Ephesians 6:18 (AMP) drives this home, as well: “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition for all God’s people.”
Today, let’s not abandon our “prayer game” when it gets tough. Instead, let’s persistently turn back to God…trusting that He is preparing us for a breakthrough!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m sorry that sometimes I abandon my prayers and stop trusting You. I confess to being impatient and taking matters into my own hands. Help me to keep relying on You for guidance and strength. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What leads to you struggling in your prayer life?
What is an example of a time when you saw God really move as you persistently prayed and trusted Him?
Comments