Despite an efficient performance from quarterback Daniel Jones, the New York Giants fell to 1-3 on Thursday evening after being topped 20-15 by the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
Jones finished the contest after completing over 70 percent of his passes (29-of-40) for 281 yards.
Due to Jones’ efficiency in throwing the football, New York’s offense put together sustained drives into Dallas territory all night. The Giants punted the football only once the entire night and won the time-of-possession battle by over 11 minutes.
However, the Giants’ positive offensive performance was marred by their inability to punch the ball into the end zone once it navigated its way down the field.
Although New York operated in its opponent’s territory for a good percentage of the night, the Giants failed to put the ball into the end zone a single time, instead settling for five field goals from Greg Joseph.
Starting an offensive drive on the right foot is essential, but it doesn’t matter if the offense never seems to be able to finish the job by scoring six points.
As followers of Jesus, we must acknowledge that there can be times when we fail to “finish the job” when living out our life of faith.
For many of us, activities such as reading the Bible, studying a helpful Christian book, praying for a particular circumstance, attending church, or selflessly serving others are tasks we can start with great passion but then flounder later as time passes.
But just as an NFL offense needs to demonstrate perseverance on its course to the end zone, we need to demonstrate perseverance, commitment, and discipline as we look to continue with our good deeds of faith.
Take a look at the following verses, which emphasize the need for perseverance as we walk out our faith on a day-to-day basis:
“Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2; AMP).
“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9; LSB).
“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13; ESV).
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it DAY AND NIGHT, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success” (Joshua 1:8; NASB, emphasis added).
In my own life, it’s sad to contemplate what spiritual blessings I may have forfeited because I abandoned a task prematurely. Far too often, I stopped praying for a particular circumstance because I didn’t get the desired results, ceased reading a Bible plan because I “got too busy,” or discontinued sacrificially serving someone because I felt like they weren’t responding how I wanted them to.
Scripture clearly states the need to demonstrate perseverance in our Christian faith.
Of course, there are times when it would be wise or appropriate to stop specific tasks. However, this is a warning against failing to “finish the job” when it would have been proper and beneficial to persevere.
Today, let’s ask God for strength and grace to help us demonstrate increased perseverance in our walk of faith. As He supplies us with what we need, we can be confident that He will be faithful to bring the appropriate results in His timing.
I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to demonstrate discipline and perseverance in the tasks that I begin so that I might better grow in my faith and bring You glory. Thank you for supplying all that I need to live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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