When Wild Card Weekend began, each team set out to make a deep run into the NFL playoffs. Of course, each franchise has different expectations based on their current team and what they’ve accomplished in recent years.
Storied franchises like the Steelers and Packers are familiar with past Super Bowl runs. Although their rosters weren’t the strongest this year, fans still wanted to see them advance further into the playoffs.
Both franchises have had a tough time getting over the hump lately and have had early exits. Once again, neither team will move on to the next round after losing to the Ravens and Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Ravens and Bills are excited about their wins. With their MVP-candidate quarterbacks leading the way, they plan to go deeper into the playoffs this season.
Both teams have struggled in previous postseasons, and neither has made it to the Super Bowl with Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson as quarterbacks.
Will the divisional or championship round be their ceiling, or will one go much deeper this year? Will they remain only good regular-season teams or go as deep as possible?
The Texans and Commanders both won this weekend. Their young quarterbacks, C.J. Stroud and Jayden Daniels, have guided their teams deeper than many would have thought this early in their careers. They have done what’s needed to take themselves to the next level.
Although the Lions had a bye this week, all eyes are on them as the team to beat in the NFC. They seek to go deeper than the franchise has ever gone since they have never reached the Super Bowl. They haven’t been able to break through before but find themselves in a position to do just that.
The Chiefs also had a bye. Although they have repeatedly proven their ability to go deep in the playoffs, they remain hungry to do so again this year.
All the teams still involved in the postseason desire to continue going deeper and are preparing to extend their playoff experience.
As we consider our faith and journey with Jesus, do we desire to continue going deeper? Are we constantly preparing our hearts and minds to experience God? Are we seeking to go deeper than ever and desiring the breakthrough, like the Lions?
Or, if we’re honest, do we relate more to the Ravens and Bills because lately, we can’t seem to get over the hump and go deep. We’re hoping this year is different and we’re no longer holding back, but instead, we take that step to the next level of our faith and spiritual maturity.
Many of us might be like the Steelers or Packers, where going deep was something we used to do. We know what it takes and have experienced a deep faith before, but lately, we aren’t going as deep as we want to.
Or maybe we’re new in our faith, and with great excitement, we’re going deeper than expected like the Texans and Commanders.
Ultimately, we want a deep “Super Bowl run” like the Chiefs. As followers of Jesus, our goal should be to have a deeper love for Him, a deeper understanding of who God is and how much He loves us, a deeper knowledge of His Word, and a deeper faith in Him.
We don’t want to settle for Wild Card Weekend, so to speak, but rather keep pursuing a vibrant relationship with the Lord as He takes us deeper and deeper into His love.
Today, let’s be encouraged by how Ephesians 3:17-19 (AMP) captures this beautifully by saying, “...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God’s people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].”
I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t want to remain stagnant but desire to go deeper with You. I want to know You, deeply experience You, and profoundly experience Your love. Help me to see You and understand Your Word in a fresh and meaningful way. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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