Found a Way to Win

The 49ers and Chiefs are heading to the Super Bowl, which sets up an incredible matchup. The path that both teams took to get here wasn’t an easy one, but they each found a way to win. Yesterday, the Chiefs went up against a Baltimore defense that was considered “a historically great defense,” yet they found a way to move the ball and get into the endzone enough to win. The Chiefs also had the tough task of facing likely MVP quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who is extremely difficult to stop (especially on the ground), but once again the Chiefs' defense found a way to win. Last night, in the NFC, the 49ers went into halftime down by 17 against the Lions but thanks to the right adjustments and making the most of the opportunities Detroit gave them, they found a way to win. The game really took a turn after a crazy play in the 3rd quarter when Brandon Aiyuk found a way to catch the ball after it ricocheted off the Lions' defender, resulting in a touchdown. The 49ers' defense also helped as they found a way to force a fumble and get key 4th down stops, as well. Quarterback, Brock Purdy found a way to thrive by using his legs to extend plays and move his team down the field. Whether we focus on yesterday’s tough wins for the Chiefs and 49ers or we consider their entire season, we realize the road to the Super Bowl is narrow and difficult, as only two teams find a way to the ultimate game. As we parallel this to life and faith, have we found a way to win? Are we on the narrow and difficult path that leads to the “ultimate game” - the path that leads to the ultimate life...that of eternal life? In Matthew 7:13-14 (AMP) Jesus says, “'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow and difficult to travel is the path that leads the way to life, and there are few who find it.'” He explains in John 10:9-10 (NIV), “'I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'” Jesus also declares in John 14:6 (NIV), “'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” It is in and through Christ alone that we find a way to win because He defeated sin and death with His victory on the cross. When we follow Him, it's the tougher path of facing opposition from a stout defense...the pressures from the culture...and the other challenging tests. However, we know that when we have Jesus, we’ve found THE ONLY way to truly win. When we put our hope and trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, we will remain standing with Him in the end as He gives us life both now and forever. Acts 4:12 (NIV) tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful that You sent Jesus to overcome sin and death so that I can find victory through Him. Thank you for saving me and giving me eternal life and abundant life in Christ. Help me have peace and confidence as I walk on the narrow and difficult path. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.