The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title on Sunday by winning a huge game against the Rams in LA, while continuing to prove they are one of the most complete teams in the league.
They’ve been a fun team to watch, as quarterback Carson Wentz has shown his ability to lead the team and make ridiculous plays with his arm and legs.
Unfortunately, as he dove into the end zone trying to make one of those big plays, he was hit by multiple defenders and tore his ACL. This is devastating news for NFL fans because he’s out for the season and the Eagles Super Bowl hopes are now in question.
Wentz has been an MVP candidate this year on the field, but he’s also been very vocal about his faith in Jesus and his philosophy about playing for an “Audience of One.” He even has a foundation with the same name.
There have been plenty of opportunities to thank God for wins and point to God after touchdowns, but seeing his faith remain consistent, now that he has this disappointing injury, is extremely inspiring.
He went right to Twitter with this post: “I know my God is a powerful One with a perfect plan. Time to just lean into Him and trust whatever the circumstances! #Proverbs 3:5-6.”
In a video talking about his faith and the injury, Wentz shared his heart with the fans: “...I just know the Lord’s working through it. I know Jesus has a plan through it. I know he’s trying to grow me in something, teach me something, use me somehow, someway, this will just be a great testimony as I go forward.”
There is no question that the millions of people who read that tweet or saw the video are witnessing someone with genuine faith - even during adversity. I’m very encouraged by Wentz and think he’s a great example of how to respond when we face a detour to our plans.
Of course, Wentz wants to be out there with his teammates competing for a Super Bowl, and this injury wasn’t what he had in mind, but he trusts that God is going to use this situation in some way for good.
When we experience hardships in our own lives, what is our response? Do we complain...get angry...question God...and feel sorry for ourselves? Or do we trust that “the Lord’s working through it?”
We can easily view God as good when we're throwing touchdowns and winning games in life, but the true test of our faith comes when we get sidelined.
The challenge for each of us is to understand that God’s character doesn’t change, and His plan and purposes continue to be centered around His glory and our faith growing.
When we accept that truth, we can find peace in all circumstances because we know He’ll use "injuries" to draw us closer to Him... strengthen our faith...and provide opportunities to show others the powerful God we serve.
Wentz also referenced Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) in his post, which says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
Today as we hear the news we didn’t want to hear or our plans get derailed, let’s remember that our understanding is limited, but God’s will is perfect. We can trust Him in all things with all of our hearts.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess it can be hard to trust You when major setbacks occur in my life. However, I know You are good and faithful and use all things to change me and draw me to Yourself. I pray my faith would remain constant and continuously grow as I seek to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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