Only two rounds into the NCAA Tournament and we’ve already witnessed top teams going down. Despite impressive regular seasons and being number 1 seeds, Virginia and Xavier have both been knocked off by lesser ranked opponents.
UNC is the reigning champion, but Texas A&M was too much for them to handle. Meanwhile, teams like Arizona, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Wichita State, and Tennessee were expected to play much deeper into the tournament but were outplayed and caught off guard.
Anyone can lose at any time...that's the story of March Madness. No team can think they're unbeatable or can be casual with their opponent.
Even veteran teams leading the way or teams with past tournament success need to be ready to face a tough game at all times. They can’t be overconfident, lose focus, or get caught up in the moment.
The reality that anyone can lose at any time during March Madness isn't much different from the struggle we encounter each day with sin and temptation.
The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Hopefully, we are following Jesus and can point to an “impressive regular season” of obedience. But even with our “previous tournament success” or years of experience walking with the Lord, we can still lose at any time by giving into temptation.
James 1:14 (ESV) says, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”
Jesus encourages Peter in Matthew 26:41 (ESV), "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
God gives His Spirit to lead and guide us, and by yielding to Him we are strengthened to overcome temptation. But even though we don’t have to fall to our opponent, our flesh is weak and anyone can lose at any time.
We must be prepared to face our spiritual battles - just like the tournament's top seeds need to be ready to overcome every tough game.
Similarly to how teams can’t be overconfident, lose focus, or get caught up in the moment if they want to stay on the path toward a championship, we must take sin seriously and fully rely on Jesus to help us avoid temptation.
Today, as we accept our limitations for perfection and rest in the grace of Jesus, let’s continually position ourselves to win against sin.
As Romans 13:14 (NLT) tells us, "...clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I’m weak and capable of falling, but I trust You for strength when I face temptation. Help me find a way to win and never take my opponent lightly. I pray for humility and focus as I rest in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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