Giving Up Control of the Play-Calling

The Denver Broncos continue to be one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this year and are currently on a four-game losing streak. In the seven games they've played so far, they've scored a total of 100 points, which is the lowest in the league. According to The Athletic, it is Denver’s lowest point total through seven games since 1966. The offense can’t seem to get on track as it flounders week after week. Nathaniel Hackett is the first-year head coach of the Broncos, following his role as Green Bay's offensive coordinator from 2019-2021. Although he didn't call plays for the Packers, he previously did for the Bills and the Jaguars. During those five seasons of play-calling, only one of his offenses ranked high in scoring. Now with the Broncos, he's the head coach and the play-caller for an offense that has had a very difficult time scoring touchdowns. Unfortunately for the team, they’ve been on national TV multiple times and fans have seen their offense struggle mightily. However, despite the offensive woes, Nathaniel Hackett is not planning to give up play-calling duties. He said, “Right now, on a short week, we’re going to keep the status quo.” It’s pretty fair to question his unwillingness to cede control of the offense (considering the results of his play-calling) and it would probably be wise for him to hand over the reins. When it comes to our own lives, we also have a tough time handing over the reins. The reality is, we like to be in charge of our lives and we like to call the plays. We want to do what we want to do when we want to do it. The problem is, when we’re unwilling to cede control and hand over the reins of our lives to Jesus, our “offense” struggles mightily, and our lives ultimately flounder. Our pride and stubbornness cause continued “offensive woes” as we “keep the status quo.” So we have to ask ourselves, Who is “calling the plays”? Who is calling the shots? Who is in control of the direction of our “offense”? Who is in charge of guiding our “offense”? If we’re still hanging on to the “play sheet,” it’s time to let go. Thankfully, God knows what He’s doing, He’s worthy to be trusted and we can confidently give up the “play-calling” responsibilities to Him. The Bible tells us in Psalm 32:8-11 (NLT), “The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.' "Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey Him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!” Each day, let’s be willing to surrender to His guidance, and His direction, as we step aside in humble submission to His game plan. Let’s seek Him for wisdom in decision-making so we can confidently know He will call the best “play” in each situation we face in life. Psalm 37:23-24 (AMP) tells us, “The steps of a man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way . When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.” As we pray the verses below, let’s remember, we make a lousy play-caller in life, so the sooner we cede play-calling duties to the One who knows all, the better off we’ll be. “Make me know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths” (Psalm 25:4; ESV). “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” (Psalm 143:10; ESV). PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for trying to control everything and thinking that I know what’s best. Forgive me for my pride and stubbornness. I pray that You would show me Your will, help me to follow Your path, and guide me to make wise decisions. I surrender to You, Jesus, and submit to Your ways. In Your name, I pray, Jesus, Amen.  I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!