The NFL playoffs provided plenty of intrigue over the weekend with the Tennessee Titans upsetting the Baltimore Ravens...and the Chiefs pulling off an unbelievable comeback over the Texans.
Everyone is still trying to figure out how the Ravens got knocked out after having an outstanding regular season, and how in the world the Chiefs overcame a 24-point deficit.
In Bill Barnwell's article on ESPN.com, he points out what he thinks is the commonality between the two wins. He writes the following:
“The biggest reason the Titans were able to get out to an early lead and the Chiefs were able to come back so quickly is simple. Field position over the course of multiple possessions almost never gets mentioned during broadcasts or in postgame commentaries from coaches and players, but it's a lot easier to score on a short field than it is on a long one.”
It sounds so simple because it is. Being closer to the end zone puts a team in the best position to score. Three of the Titans' four touchdowns on Saturday night began 35 yards, 20 yards, and 45 yards away from the goalline.
The Ravens, on the other hand, spent the whole game attempting to go the length of the field as each of their 11 possessions began 74 or more yards away from the end zone.
In the other game, the Chiefs were down 24-0 early in the 2nd quarter when they had three straight drives beginning with great field position. First, a long kickoff return set the Chiefs up nicely for a two-play touchdown drive.
Then, the Texans were stopped after attempting a fake punt and the Chiefs took over on the 33-yard line with only four plays needed to score again. Next, the Texans fumbled a kickoff giving Kansas City the ball at the six-yard line leading to another touchdown.
It just took the Chiefs a few minutes and only nine plays for 81 yards to score 21 points and get right back in the game. They didn’t slow down after that, winning 51-31.
As we understand how field position was instrumental in these two victories and how the Chiefs and Titans made the most of their close proximity to the end zone, let’s unpack how this parallels our own lives.
All of us desire to experience victory. In a similar sense to field position, the closer we are to God the more likely this is going to happen.
If we want to overcome temptation, battle against worry and fear, and live with peace and joy, then we should seek to be close to God. We want to be close to His heart and close to His voice.
The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you...” (James 4:8; ESV).
Psalm 145:18 (NLT) explains, “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth.”
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) tells us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Once we surrender our lives to Jesus and He lives within us, we need to remember He's always right there. This is true even during times when we feel distant from God and that it appears we have a long “field” in front of us.
Even when we’ve allowed sin or busyness or other priorities to get in the way from sensing His presence, the good news is, God hasn’t moved or changed. Instead, we need to remove what’s getting in the way of experiencing the closeness that’s available to us.
As followers of Jesus, we are victorious in Him and we’re given the incredible “field position” of always being close to and actually in the "end zone."
Today, just like the Chiefs and Titans, let’s take full advantage of our own game-changing closeness. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You are right there with me. I pray I wouldn’t get distracted by the world or buy the lies that I’ve drifted too far from You. I desire to experience that closeness You make available to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What times in your life have you experienced closeness with God the most?
Is there anything in your life right now making you feel distant from God?
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