The Dallas Mavericks are headed to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011, the year in which Dallas brought home their first NBA Championship. This Mavs' run is noteworthy for numerous reasons. Dallas got off to a mediocre start to the season, entering 2022 with a 17-18 record. However, they turned it around and finished the season with the NBA's 5th best overall record at 52-30. This earned them the 4th seed in the Western Conference and a first-round matchup with the Utah Jazz. With superstar Luka Doncic hurt and missing the first three games of the series, the Jazz were the clear favorites. Even so, players like Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie stepped up and carried Dallas to a 2-1 series lead before Luka returned and helped the Mavs win the series in six games. Then came the second round against the Phoenix Suns who were the best team in the NBA during the regular season and hungry after losing in the Finals last season. The Mavs had a slim chance to win the series, especially after going down 2-0. But Dallas responded under the coaching of Jason Kidd, and a complete team effort led by Doncic. They never seemed to lack the belief that they were capable of winning this series, with Game 7 as proof of that. Dallas marched into Phoenix and dominated to snag the only road win of the series. After game 7, Mavs Head Coach Jason Kidd didn't give a huge speech in the locker room, but asked a simple question to the team: "Did you believe? Even down 2-0, did you believe?" All the players were heard shouting "yes" to his simple yet profound question. The Mavs could have easily lost hope, but they believed regardless of their circumstances. This simple question of belief relates to every person on earth. Do we believe? Playing out in two ways, first of all, do we believe that, although we're born separated from God because of our sin, we may be reconciled to Him through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? We must fight our urge to earn merit and favor with God through works as a route to salvation...and on the other end of the spectrum, push back against any lack of belief that God is capable of saving a sinner like you and me. "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God" (John 3:18; ESV). Secondly, do we believe that no matter our circumstances, we should always have hope that God is able to work in us and through us for His glory? We must recognize that nothing is too big for God to accomplish even when our situation feels hopeless. "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21; ESV). If the Dallas Mavericks can believe in their ability to win against the odds, how much more can we believe in God's ability to rescue us from sin and to bring hope to hopeless circumstances? Today, let's be reminded and encouraged to place our trust and belief in the one true God who is far stronger and more powerful than our circumstances. Though difficult at times, we always have good reason to answer "yes" when asked, "Do you believe?" I'm Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: God, I believe and pray that You would help me in any unbelief I have when I experience circumstances that feel hopeless. Help me trust in Your goodness and in Your power to work in me and through me for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
When was a time that was difficult to believe God was bigger and stronger than circumstances that felt hopeless?
Who is someone in your life that has encouraged you with their belief?
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