Current Houston Texans quarterback, Deshaun Watson, is a young and elite NFL player who has been very valuable to the franchise since being drafted by them. However, his relationship with the organization has become so fractured that Watson has requested a trade this offseason.
At this point, the Houston Texans are unwilling to move Watson and are holding their ground by refusing to accommodate his trade demand or consider their opponents' offers.
There are multiple layers and perspectives to this story and I’m personally rooting for Watson to be traded to the Panthers, but for today’s devotional I want to focus on the spot the Texans find themselves in.
They are facing a major decision that could drastically change the course of their franchise, and most would agree that Watson moving to another team would significantly set the Texans back.
Even so, Watson wants to leave, other teams would love to have him, and we’re all waiting to see what the Texans will do. So the questions remain...
Will they let their guard down and listen to the offers from other teams and explore what they can get in return?
Will they receive an enticing enough offer to really trade a proven superstar?
Will they be tempted to let go of a guaranteed franchise quarterback and roll the dice with what might happen with future draft picks?
Will they eventually give in because they are cornered and pressured to do something?
Will there be a point where they think they have no choice, but to relent?
Will they eventually make excuses for why trading him is their only option?
Will they convince themselves that trading him will make the situation better?
As these questions are being asked, there are similar ones that can swirl around in our own lives when it comes to choices and temptations.
When we are presented with opportunities or "trade requests" to sin...
Do we let our guard down, listen to the offers, and explore what's available to us?
Do we receive an enticing enough offer to trade our proven integrity and commitment to the Lord for temporary pleasures?
Are we tempted to let go of guaranteed peace and satisfaction in Christ, and roll the dice with what might happen if we pursue the allure of sin?
Do we give in to sin because we feel cornered and pressured to do something?
Do we buy the lie and think we have no choice but to relent?
Do we make excuses for why trading away our obedience is our only option?
Do we convince ourselves that giving into sin will make our challenging situation better?
The truth is, temptations are all around us and as followers of Jesus we need to remain prepared, committed, and willing to rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to stand our ground.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT) tells us, "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure."
James 4:7 (AMP) encourages us to "...submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
When we surrender our lives to Jesus and trust Him in the midst of temptation, He will show us a way around the trap and provide the strength we need to overcome.
Hebrews 2:18 (AMP) explains, "Because He Himself has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering."
Paul gives us this important challenge: "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves" (Galatians 5:16; NLT).
Today, when we feel cornered, pressured, or enticed to do something we know is going to set us back, let's remember it's not worth giving in to the tempting "trade demands" or trading obedience for sin.
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I wouldn't let my guard down or entertain offers to sin. Help me to quickly flee and rely on You to guide me out of tempting situations. Teach me to remain obedient and faithful to You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
In what situations do you feel cornered, pressured, or tempted to sin?
What is your experience with trading obedience for sin or times you refused to give in and allowed God to help you through a tempting situation?
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