The NFL is very much a quarterback-driven league, and this year the backup QBs appear to be the ones stealing the headlines.
Injuries, retirement, and poor play by the starters have given new opportunities to Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, Mason Rudolph, Daniel Jones, Teddy Bridgewater, and Luke Falk. These guys all went 4-2 during week 3.
Probably the biggest story is taking place in New York with the Giants making the switch from Super Bowl winner Eli Manning to rookie first-round draft pick Daniel Jones.
After a 0-2 start, Jones took over yesterday and in a dramatic finish led his team to win 32-31 over the Bucs. He played well as he threw for two touchdowns and rushed for two touchdowns.
As exciting as it was for Jones and the potential future of the Giants, it’s a tough situation for Eli Manning. Of course, he’s happy for his team and knows that Jones playing well in his debut is a big deal, but he still wants to be out there playing.
He's got to realize that the better Jones plays, the quicker everyone moves on from him, so how is he supposed to respond? Should he have an upbeat attitude, be grateful for the great career he had, and find a way to rejoice with Jones...or should he be bitter, jealous, and angry?
All indications show that Manning has been a class act, a true professional, and has chosen to be supportive. It’s absolutely fair for him to be disappointed because he’s no longer the starter, but if he continues to find a way to embrace Jones and be happy for him, it will help with the transition.
I know that many of us today find ourselves wrestling with similar emotions. We lost our job, but our good friend just got a promotion. We’re struggling to get pregnant and every person around us is having a baby. Or maybe we’re going through a brutal divorce while other family members are getting married.
Regardless of the scenario, there are times when we’re dealing with a lot of pain while someone close to us is experiencing tremendous success or a joyous season of life.
We have the tough choice of either being happy for them and celebrate with them...or allow our bitterness, jealousy, and anger to take over and push ourselves away.
I think it’s fair to have disappointment when we experience something tough, but it doesn’t mean we can’t rejoice with others for their wins. It’s not easy, but as followers of Jesus, we can rely on Him to give us the power we need to do so.
It’s in God we find peace and as Proverbs 14:30 says (NIV), "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
We hope that as we cheer on those who are doing well and experiencing something amazing in their lives, they'll meet us in our pain and weep with us.
Romans 12:15 (AMP) encourages us to "Rejoice with those who rejoice , and weep with those who weep ."
Ultimately, when we truly love people and think outside of ourselves and our struggles, we’ll be able to embrace them, honor them, and experience joy with them.
Romans 12:10 (NIV) tells us to "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father I pray that I would genuinely celebrate with those who are experiencing joy in their life. Please give me the peace and strength not to be envious so that I can rejoice with them. Thank you for all the blessings I do have. In Jesus name, I pray Amen.
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