NFL free agency has been wild with many surprising trades and players signing with new teams. It’s hard to keep up with who is going where and understand why certain moves have been made.
There have been multiple transactions I've had a hard time wrapping my mind around. I’m not convinced they're good moves and I question the rationality behind them. I’ve been wondering how these moves can be real, and can’t picture some of these guys in another team’s jersey.
Have you been asking any of these questions too?
Are you kidding me, Tom Brady wants to play in Tampa Bay?
Why in the world would the Houston Texans trade Deandre Hopkins?
The Panthers are moving on from Cam Newton, but does it really make sense to sign Teddy Bridgewater instead?
Jason Witten is going to continue to play, leave the Cowboys, and join the Raiders...seriously?
Did the Bills really give up four draft picks for Stefon Diggs?
Did the Bears actually sign Jimmy Graham for $9 million guaranteed?
As we grapple with some of these shocking NFL moves, we’re also asking similar questions about everything else going on in life. Two words come to mind regarding many responses to our current reality: “unbelief and disbelief.”
We either don’t want to believe what's happening or we don’t know what to believe and just can’t seem to fathom it all. However, with the shock, awe, and confusion surrounding us, we can be encouraged that our faith is rooted in truth.
Despite all of our questions, we can believe that God is still good, faithful, and sovereign. He wants to show us His glory, love, and grace and how real and powerful He is. He’ll meet us right where we are and reveal Himself to us - even in our own “unbelief" or "disbelief.”
In the Bible, there are two significant stories to unpack today. The first is about doubting Thomas when he was trying to comprehend Jesus' resurrection.
John 20:27-29 (ESV) explains, "Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here, and see My hands; and put out your hand, and place it in My side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered Him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen Me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”
There is also the story of a father bringing his son to Jesus to heal him from an unclean spirit. The father says to Jesus, “'...But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.' And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'
"And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, 'You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again'” (Mark 9:22-25; ESV).
There are times in life when it’s just hard to believe, but I think the father’s response, “I believe; help my unbelief” can be encouraging to us today as we cry out to Jesus.
Whatever we’re facing that is challenging our faith or beliefs, we must know that we can trust Jesus and know He can. He’s telling us, “do not disbelieve, but believe."
He is real and His Word is true, so let’s ask Him to help our unbelief and let's believe in Him and what He can do...even when things don’t make sense right now.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I believe in You and I know Your Word is true. I know You sent Jesus and He died and rose again. I trust Him, but I have moments of doubt and disbelief. Please help my unbelief. I know You are good and powerful and loving. I believe You can do the impossible. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What has you asking the questions, are you kidding me or I don’t believe it?
Which of these two stories from the Bible resonates with you more today and why?
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