How Did That Happen?

The most memorable game played during the tremendous weekend of basketball was between 3-seeded Texas A&M and 11-seeded Northern Iowa. With A&M down 12 points with 33 seconds left in regulation, they ended up tying the game to force overtime. One overtime wasn’t enough, so they headed to another and A&M pulled out the incredible win 92-88! Responses to this classic ending and historic comeback are: “That’s unbelievable,” “You’ve got to be kidding me,” and “That’s impossible - Northern Iowa had the game won.” This type of crazy and shocking finish is why we love March Madness, and why we might miss something by turning the channel before a game is truly over. Texas A&M deserves credit for persevering and playing tough until the very end, but I want to focus on Northern Iowa today. They had this game won with 33 seconds left and up 12 points. They were about to pull off a great upset and head to the Sweet 16. But even though they were playing well and everything was going their way, they ended up collapsing in the closing seconds of regulation. A&M trapped them on two different inbounds plays and took the ball away both times. UNI couldn’t handle the pressure from the defense and totally melted down. The UNI players have to be asking themselves today, “How did that happen?”…and “Why did we give up this game?” I believe if we aren’t careful, we are all a couple of bad decisions away from an epic collapse. On the surface, we can look like a winner and appear like we have our life put together. We can have past sins and mistakes behind us and feel pretty good about what’s next. However, it’s in these moments when the “attacks” and “traps” start heading our way. Northern Iowa was in a good position, but Texas A&M pulled out all the stops. With a lazy pass here and a silly foul there by UNI, A&M was back in the game. Likewise, if we don’t take following Jesus seriously and keep our eyes focused on Him, we can easily fall into a trap and wonder, “How did that happen?” If we look close enough, there are always reasons why. Skipping time in God’s Word leads to wrong mindsets or the downplaying of certain sins. Pride begins to set in and before we know it, one bad decision or "one small sin" leads to another. It’s a battle and when we aren’t careful, any of us can fall on our face. The Bible encourages us in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (MSG): “Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” Today as we begin our week, let’s recognize the spiritual fight we’re in and realize it’s not over until the day we go to Heaven. Let’s not be surprised when the attacks and the traps come but instead let’s be ready and alert…fully equipped with God’s Word. Let’s completely trust God and rely on His strength, so we can hang on and finish well. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know every day is a battle. Please give me Your strength and power to fight well. I know if I take my eyes off of Jesus, I’m prone to fall. Help me not to get prideful, but always be alert and aware of my weaknesses. Thank you for Your grace when I do fall, but help me to remain faithful and obedient. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.