The Buffalo Bills will take on the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday in what is expected to be an amazing game.
Coming off one of their greatest performances as a franchise and one of the most impressive offensive showings in league history, they had a “perfect game” against the Patriots.
Winning 47-17 and scoring a touchdown on every offensive possession until they kneeled down to end the game, meant they didn’t punt, kick a field goal, or turn the ball over in the win. They didn't give up a sack either.
Their offense has been very dynamic in recent years and quarterback, Josh Allen, is the main reason why. His physical tools and passing skills are elite, but his running ability makes him even more dangerous.
When quarterbacks run the ball it’s often because a passing play breaks down, so they attempt to pick up some yards with their legs. Allen is such an effective runner that the Bills actually design plays for their star quarterback to run the ball.
He doesn’t just run when things go wrong on a passing play but runs with purpose throughout the game when his coaches call his number. Knowing which holes are designed for him to run through, Allen hits them with confidence.
Matt Bowen on ESPN.com writes, “Allen has carried the ball 79 times for 357 yards on designed rushing attempts this season (including last Saturday's win against the Patriots). That includes five touchdowns, one of which came in the Week 5 win over Kansas City. Allen will carry the ball on QB sweeps, counters, and read schemes, in addition to the rushing totals he can produce on scramble attempts.”
Leading the NFL (including running backs) in the regular season with 6.5 yards per rush attempt, it’s no wonder the team continues to design plays for Allen to thrive as a runner.
When it comes to our own lives, are we "running" with purpose and confidence based on the “design rushes” God has for us? Or, are we just running around aimlessly and scrambling when things go wrong?
Each day, we need to be prepared for God to "call our number" based on a “play” He has specifically designed for us to thrive. He has designed us to know Him and obediently run toward Him and the best plans He has purposed for our lives.
Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 9:26 (TLB), “So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around.”
The Psalmist in Psalm 119:32 (AMP) uses a similar approach: “I will run the way of Your commandments , For You will give me a heart that is willing.”
On Sunday, when we watch Josh Allen run as his coaches designed and called him to do, let’s be reminded to run the way God has designed and called us to run.
Instead of running aimlessly, let's run right through the “holes” He designed for us - both with Him and for His purpose.
When we do, let’s be mindful of what the well-known verse,
Isaiah 40:31 (AMP), tells us: “But those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings like eagles ; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to live the way You designed for me to live. I pray I would live according to Your plans and purposes for me. Thank you for giving me the strength I need to run and not become weary. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what ways has God uniquely designed a plan and purpose for you?
In what ways are you more likely to scramble instead of sticking to the designed "plays" God has for you?
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