By Tuesday, August 29th at 4 PM EST, every NFL team will cut down their active roster to 53 players or less. Players have been evaluated in training camp and preseason games, and the coaches, GMs, and scouts determine who they want to keep and who they'll let go. However, that’s only one aspect of what takes place in the coming days before the season begins. The other reality is that over 1,000 players become available from all 32 NFL teams. Although players didn’t fit on one team’s roster, they may be a target for another team to sign. This triggers even more players to be signed and released. So much action and craziness are taking place off the field as everyone tries to determine what players are available, whether they're better than their current players, and which positions need to be filled or upgraded...all while managing the salary cap. Plus, there's endless communication between agents and teams, agents and players, scouts and the GMs, and coaches and the GMs. They're all trying to figure out how to handle the surprising players being released, and responding to recent injuries and contract situations. Throw in the trade offers being made, it’s A LOT to keep up with! This is when the best franchises and front offices shine as they construct their roster and make good decisions in the midst of multiple things going on at once. Art Stapleton wrote an article about this for USA Today with the headline, “'Comfortable in the Chaos': How NY Giants are Preparing for the Frenzy of NFL Cut Day.” Giants assistant GM, Brandon Brown, is quoted as saying, "We're comfortable in the chaos. When there's scrambling in the league, when there are a lot of moving parts, the team Joe (Schoen, the GM) has built and how we operate, we feel like we can gain an advantage." As we wait and see how everything shakes out for the Giants and the rest of the league, I know many of us are facing our own chaos and craziness. This time of year always seems to be loaded with activity, lots of moving parts, and so many different things pulling on us at the same time. Things at work ramp up, schools start for kids, fall sports are underway, church commitments are added, and it seems like it’s one thing after another. The whole time that we’re juggling everything coming at us, we're trying to remain calm while determining “what gets cut” and “what we add.” If we evaluate how we handle intense seasons, would we say we’re like the Giants and “we're comfortable in the chaos”? Or, are we floundering and drowning amid the “frenzy” and the “scrambling”? In today’s world, it’s very difficult to avoid the chaos of life, but as I wrote about last week, we must ask God for wisdom. Some of the craziness we're experiencing is unnecessary and it’d be wise to take things off our plate. With that said, there are certain periods where chaos seems unavoidable and in those moments we must learn to remain “comfortable in the chaos” or calm in the midst of the storm. As followers of Jesus, we don’t attempt this alone, but we must depend on His peace and strength as we live by the power of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 29:11 (TLB) says, “He will give His people strength. He will bless them with peace.” If we want to be “comfortable in the chaos,” we must also prioritize and pursue what God determines is important each day and not worry about tomorrow as we trust Him to provide everything we need. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33-34 (AMP). “'But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness , and all these things will be given to you also. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'” We also continue to keep our eyes and attention on the Lord and recognize He's with us...He's our rock...and He's our anchor to keep us steady. Then we can declare as it says in Psalm 16:8 NIV, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” As the chaos and craziness intensify around us, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16; NLT). I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful You are with me and Your peace is available to me. I pray my eyes remain on You and each day help me seek You first. I know it’s only by Your strength and grace I can remain content and comfortable during the chaos of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. How do you describe the current chaos in your life? 2. How do you handle and respond to a lot going on at once?
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