The Carolina Panthers are 0-6 on the season and the league’s only winless team. Their offense has struggled to move the ball consistently and only averages 18.7 points per game.
The running game has been disappointing and rookie QB, Bryce Young, has gotten off to a slow start while currently having the lowest total QBR (adjusted total quarterback rating) in the league.
Something has needed to change, so just before their week 7 bye, head Coach Frank Reich announced he was handing over the play-calling duties to offensive coordinator, Thomas Brown.
Frank Reich said, "I've really been thinking hard about it the last couple of weeks and kind of knew it was leaning this way. Here we are. I'm excited to turn that over to Thomas and I'm sure he's going to do a great job for our team.''
It can be difficult for a head coach to give up the control of calling plays, but this appears to be a wise decision for Reich to make.
He's showing a willingness to let go but now has to trust Thomas Brown to call the plays he deems best for the Panthers' offense and allow him to take over in this way.
The Panthers return from their bye to take on the Texans this Sunday and we’ll see how the team responds to a new play-caller.
When it comes to our own lives, it can be tough to hand over “play-calling duties” because we like to call the shots and have total control of what we’re doing on “each play.”
The reality is, we like to be in charge of our lives and we want to do what we want to do when we want to do it. Yet, there's a problem when we're unwilling to cede control and hand over the reins of our lives to God.
Our “offense” struggles and our lives ultimately flounder. We don’t experience the change we're looking for when our pride and stubbornness are continually causing “offensive woes.”
So we have to ask ourselves these questions:
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 and hand it over to the One who is much more suited to have that role in our lives.
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 direction, as we step aside in humble submission to His game plan.
Let’s ask Him, “What should I do here” and 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, that 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).
I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
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.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. In what ways has your life changed because you gave up control and allowed Jesus to take over? 2. What decision are you facing right now that you're asking God to guide you through?
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