The new NFL season officially kicked off last night and now the rest of the teams gear up for Sunday and Monday night. General managers have made their final cuts and coaches have put out the depth charts for Week 1.
As I look across the league and take notice of the names of certain starters, I’m surprised to see a handful of players who have earned their spot.
The Bills are going with Nathan Peterman as their quarterback, despite his five-interception debut last year. Who would have thought he’d win the job?
Sam Bradford is a starter once again and will suit up for his fourth franchise. He’s missed tons of games due to injuries, but Arizona is giving him another shot.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted one-handed Shaquem Griffin a few months ago and he’ll be out there with the first team on Sunday.
Josh Gordon won’t be a starter, but the talented yet previously troubled wide receiver will be ready for the opener for the first time since his rookie year.
The common theme for all of these players is how easily it would have been to give up on them. Each one of them could have been written off as a result of their limitations and weaknesses.
However, instead of dwelling on the bad games they played in the past...the mistakes they’ve made along the way...or the physical challenges they’ve faced, they’re still out there playing.
In both football and life, it's common to quit on those who are considered damaged goods or to discredit them for being too old or too short or having failed too many times.
As fans, we may think a player is washed up or make a snap judgment based on one game. In life, when we look at our own mistakes or someone else’s shortcomings, we may conclude that giving up is the only answer.
But when we follow Jesus and put our trust in Him, we can bounce back, overcome, and get back out there. He provides us with hope, more opportunities, and chances for redemption.
Thankfully, even if we think we’ve messed up too badly or we’re tempted to write someone off who seems too far from God, there is grace available through Jesus. He gives us the strength to keep going and is willing to give us another shot.
Today, let's remember that "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 - NIV).
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful You provide the strength for me to keep going even after I’ve stumbled. I pray I wouldn’t write other people off or dwell on their mistakes. I desire to keep praying for those who appear far from You, knowing that it's Your love and grace that draws them to Yourself. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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