Throughout the NFL season, we see teams go through winning streaks and losing streaks. Each team is likely to have their off games when things aren’t clicking, so to make sure it doesn’t continue as a trend, they need what’s known as a “get right game.” In order for a team to bounce back from a slow start to the season or recover from a midseason slump, they need to build some momentum with everything clicking and getting a much-needed win. For this to happen, they have to return to playing how they need to, regain their confidence and trust, and realign the areas of their team that have gotten off track. Heading into Sunday, the Bengals, who were in last season’s Super Bowl, were 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game while also coming off an ugly loss on Monday Night Football to the Browns. However, they got their “get right game” against the Carolina Panthers, as running back Joe Mixon set a franchise record for the most touchdowns in a single game, with five trips to the end zone and 211 total yards from scrimmage. The Bengals finally returned to their rushing attack, which benefitted them with a 42-21 win. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Bucs began the day as losers of three straight games, but Tom Brady led a dramatic come-from-behind touchdown drive in the final minute, allowing them to knock off the Rams. The Bucs weren’t great throughout the game, but that last drive set them up for a “get right game” by regaining trust and confidence as things clicked for them down the stretch. Believe it or not, the Detroit Lions had their “get right game” against the Green Bay Packers as they broke a five-game losing streak by holding the Packers to 9 points. The Lions were able to finally get on track and realign their defense after weeks of being unable to stop any of their opponents. Many of us can probably relate to days, weeks, or seasons where things just aren’t clicking for us spiritually and we’re struggling in one way or another. When we find ourselves in that spot where things are off track or not clicking and we're in the middle of a losing streak, we need a “get right game,” so to speak, and get right with God. This might look different for each of us, but the three things that the Bengals, Bucs, and Lions did can translate into our own lives. As the Bengals returned to the run game, we must return to living how we need to by returning to God and His Word and returning to deep prayer time with Him. If we have drifted down the wrong path, gotten caught up in worldly things, or been too busy, then we must return to our anchor and our rock. Lamentations 3:40 (ESV) says, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” The Bucs appeared to be lost, confused, and frustrated, while the offense hasn't been on the same page, but now they've regained their confidence in one another and trust they can turn things around this season. Likewise, if we are filled with worry, confusion, and discouragement, we must regain our confidence in the Lord and put our trust fully in Him. Jeremiah 17:7 (NLT) tells us, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.” Lastly, we must be like the Lions and tighten up any areas of our lives that have gotten off track by realigning our defense. If we haven’t been able to stop our opponents and have recently let sin slip through into our thoughts and actions, then we must adjust our defense. Ephesians 6:11 (AMP) encourages us to “Put on the full armor of God , so that you may be able to stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” Today is the day to put a stop to the losing and the ongoing struggles, and experience a “get right game.” Let's get right with the Lord by returning to Him, regaining our confidence in Him, and realigning our lives to be on track with Him and His ways. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit we haven’t been on the same page recently and I desire to return to You and experience deep fellowship with You. Please help me regain my confidence and hope in You, and I pray You’d help me realign the areas that have gotten off track. My trust is in You. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What steps do you take when you know you need a “get right game” and get back on track in life?
2. What does it look like for you to return, regain, and realign in your own life?
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