I watched a ton of football this weekend and was thrilled to see my App State Mountaineers win the Sun Belt Championship. However, the best game and story from two amazing days of football came during the entertaining Alabama and Georgia Championship game.
Standing out as a hero among the fantastic performances of these SEC rivals was Jalen Hurts. Alabama's backup quarterback came in with ten minutes left after Tua Tagovailoa went out with an injury and the team was down seven points. Hurts went 7-of-9 for 82 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 28 yards and scoring the winning touchdown.
I couldn’t help but root for him knowing he was the starter for two years and a former SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and then benched for Tagovailoa during last season's National Championship game. This was Hurts’ chance to shine and complete the comeback for the win.
As phenomenal as this sports moment is, I want to unpack Hurts' tough decision to stay at Alabama as the backup, instead of redshirting and transferring to another school.
Hurts could have easily and justifiably made the decision to leave after being benched this season, but he humbly stuck around as a good teammate - ready to contribute when his team ended up needing him.
It had to have been challenging for Hurts to sit on the sidelines and watch his former backup, Tua, put together a season that might lead to a Heisman. Instead of being selfish or a jerk, Hurts was supportive and didn't bolt at the first sign of disappointment.
There are two aspects of this incredible story that can encourage us today. First of all, Hurts going from being humble on the sidelines to being recognized on the big stage reminds us of the verse found in Matthew 23:12 (AMP): “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.”
Secondly, Hurts' decision to stick it out this year with Alabama is an excellent reminder that many times the hard thing to do is the right thing to do. It would have been easier for Hurts to leave, but instead, the harder path set him up for just the right moment.
In the Bible, we read how Moses became a hero, but he experienced suffering first. Hebrews 11:24-26 (NLT) gives us a snapshot of what Moses was up against:
"It was by faith that Moses when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.”
Oftentimes in life, we want to take the easy way out, but it’s the hard times that set us up for the best times. Today, let’s make the decision to trust God along the challenging path when we clearly know it’s the right one.
After all, we saw over the weekend that sometimes it’s the “Hurts” in life that lead to great rewards. I'm Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me choose the right path and to make wise decisions, even when they involve challenges and difficulties. I pray I'd remain humble as I wait for my opportunities. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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