D’Angelo Russell has spent eight seasons in the NBA after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he's been traded to the Nets, to the Warriors, was shipped to Minnesota, and then sent back to the Lakers a few months ago. He is a much different player since he was drafted and the Lakers are a much different team this time around. Since the trade deadline, when the Lakers made multiple moves to retool their roster, the team has been on a roll, gelling well together and maximizing the different skill sets, including Russell's scoring ability. The Lakers continue to rely on him to knock down big shots, as he’s been the right fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis since being traded from Minnesota. They find themselves up 2-1 in their second-round series against the Warriors, thanks in large part to the strong play of D’Angelo Russell. In the Lakers' 127-97 Game 3 blowout win, Russell hit three 3’s right away and according to ESPN, he became the first player in Lakers history to have 20 points (he had 21) and five 3-pointers before halftime in a playoff game. In an interview on The Athletic, Russell was asked how much he’s enjoying this after having the situation in Minnesota, and he replied, “How much am I enjoying this? I felt like I was held back there, honestly. I just kind of had to be the third option. Some nights, I was a little more aggressive and was kind of being held back. So to be in a position now where I can kind of thrive and be aggressive and it gets guys going, and where the team reflects off of anybody with that type of energy, it’s fun.” Russell is another example of how a player can be held back when on the wrong team, not using his skills properly, or surrounded by teammates who don’t bring out the best in him. But the challenges he faced previously, haven't prevented him from thriving now that he's free and confident to be the player he knows he can be. As you and I begin another week, I wonder if we're being held back in any way or if we're truly thriving in life as we follow Jesus and become more like Him. Too often we remain stuck in “Minnesota” where we're not using our skills properly for God’s purposes or we continue to surround ourselves with teammates who don’t bring out the best in us. But we don’t have to continue being held back. Instead, we can experience the freedom and confidence available when we embrace God’s design for our lives. We can declare Psalm 119:44-45 (NLT), “I will keep on obeying Your instructions forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to Your commandments.” We must also remember that Jesus came to earth to save and redeem us and in Him and through Him we're able to thrive. He tells us in John 10:10 (AMP), “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance .” As we take a look at our lives, what's holding us back from being the person God created us to be, and from enjoying the abundant life He invites us into? In what ways do we need to surrender or let go of something? If fear is holding us back, then we must ask God for faith. Luke 17:5 tells us, “The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith .'” If unforgiveness or unconfessed sins are holding us back, we must forgive and confess. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” If a lack of clarity is holding us back, then we must ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 (AMP) explains, “If any of you lacks wisdom , he is to ask of God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.” All indications are that D’Angelo Russell is thriving in Los Angeles. No, he doesn’t make every shot or win every game, but he’s enjoying the new team he’s on and is glad he’s no longer being held back by his former team. Likewise, today, let’s be encouraged that our time on earth will never be perfect and everything won’t go exactly how we think we want it to, but thankfully in Christ, we can enjoy Him and the new thriving life we have in Him. We no longer have to be held back by our former way of thinking or behaving, but can cling to the truth of 2 Corinthians 5:17 (AMP): “Therefore if anyone is in Christ , he is a new creature ; the old things have passed away. Behold, new things have come .” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess there are times when I’m held back by my fear, doubts, worry, and confusion. I pray that You would give me the faith and wisdom I need to thrive. Help me to live with the freedom and confidence You provide as I experience the abundant life available in Christ. I desire to leave my old life behind and thrive in my new life in Christ. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What is holding you back from thriving?
2. In what ways have you experienced the abundant life found in Christ?
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