Duke Squanders the Lead

Today's devotional is tough to write as a lifelong Duke fan. I'm still stunned and disappointed they lost on Saturday night. Watching them unravel as the game winded down was brutal, and it was surreal to see Houston celebrate the win when the clock showed zeroes.

First, Houston should be applauded for remaining tough, resilient, and persevering despite losing most of the game. Their defense was stifling, and they put together an incredible comeback after being down 14 with 11:54 left, making it the fifth biggest comeback in Final Four history.

As impressive as Houston was down the stretch, I want to focus on the fact that Duke squandered their lead and the chance to play in the National Championship game tonight.

Duke displayed so much talent throughout their fantastic season, including this game. But, instead of finishing strong, building on their momentum with the lead, and securing the win, this gifted team let the opportunity slip away. They showed their youth and lack of experience in tight games and didn't make the most of the moment.

Here is how the game played out:

• Houston scored the nine final points in the last 33 seconds to pull off the 70-67 win.

  
  

• Duke only had one field goal in the last 10:30 of the game and only three points in the final three minutes.

• Houston went on a 7-0 run in only 16 seconds in the final minute.

• Even though Duke was up by six points with 35 seconds to go, they didn't take advantage of their position and made foolish mistakes.

According to ESPN Analytics, with 2:30 remaining, Duke had a 97.1 chance to win. Unfortunately, they missed free throws, fell on the floor, gave up shots, turned the ball over, and didn't make the proper adjustments.

Why did they let up and take their foot off the gas? Were they being complacent, lazy, foolish, or undisciplined?  Houston was remarkable, but we still can't help but question how Duke let the lead vanish after having the game in their hands.

So, based on Houston's comeback and Duke's role in allowing it to happen, let's find some encouragement as we unpack what it means to "squander a lead" in our own lives.

We have all been given grace, mercy, talents, gifts, opportunities, jobs, and money to accomplish God's purposes and bring value to others.

1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) explains, "God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

We should ask whether we are making the most of what we've been given or squandering those gifts and blessings. Are we taking advantage of the opportunities we have and making the most of the position we're in?

Also, are we good stewards of all we have, or do we tend to be lazy, complacent, selfish, undisciplined, and unaware that the "lead is slipping away"?

Romans 12:11 (NLT) says, "Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically."

We don't want to waste our lives, talents, or financial gifts for meaningless purposes but serve God and others instead. We want to finish strong and make adjustments so that we don't look back at the end of our lives and think we squandered what God entrusted us.

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) encourages us: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

As we inventory the opportunities, gifts, money, and relationships before us, let's seek God's direction to be good stewards and not let them slip away by being foolish.

It is written in Proverbs 10:16 (NLT), "The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."

If we've squandered parts of our lives in the past, let's be reminded of the prodigal son who, after wasting his inheritance, was received by his father with open arms upon his return.

Likewise, God welcomes us with open arms while His love and grace cover our past mistakes and empower us to finish strong from this point forward. We all have more than we deserve, as God richly blesses us in many ways, beginning with salvation through Jesus.

Today, let's have the approach that whatever we have and whatever we do, we do it for Him - not letting up or squandering anything.

We are given this appeal in 2 Corinthians 6:1 (NLT): "As God's partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God's kindness and then ignore it."

The Message paraphrases it this way: "Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us."

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to take the gifts, relationships, talents, and blessings You've bestowed upon me seriously and not to get careless by squandering them. Please show me ways I can be a good steward and live with purpose and meaning for Your glory. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.