I enjoy watching the NFL every week and consider myself well-informed and knowledgeable about the sport since I keep up with the games, players, and stories all season long. Heading into the season and looking across the league, I have my predictions and expectations of what will and should happen. Then, once the season begins, I quickly realize that I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I have to admit I’m not as all-knowing as I pretend to be and couldn’t have predicted certain injuries or poor play or off-the-field issues. I never would have imagined certain players would have such bad seasons or players out of nowhere would emerge as stars. As much as I think I’m aware of what decisions coaches should make and what teams should win each game, the reality is, I’m oftentimes not in the know. This confession happens weekly, as well, and the results from Sunday once again serve as a reminder that we're very limited in our understanding of how games are going to play out and why teams do certain things. Here are a few examples:
After embarrassingly losing to the Lions last week (with Aaron Rodgers throwing three interceptions), I don’t know how the Packers bounced back to beat the Cowboys in overtime.
I don’t know how Colts owner, Jim Irsay, knew Jeff Saturday taking over as interim head coach was exactly what his team needed to get a win.
I don’t know what changed for Justin Fields, but he’s playing on another level right now.
I don’t understand how the Titans always find ways to win every week.
I don’t know why Jimmy Garoppolo has the highest career-winning percentage as a starting QB in both the regular season and postseason (.833) when he doesn't throw a touchdown pass...and is now 10-2 in games without throwing one. We all like to pretend to be NFL prognosticators and make definitive statements about what’s going to happen, and we want our opinions to be proven as facts. But the truth is, so often, we just don’t know. We don’t know why coaches do certain things, why teams play so differently from one week to the next, and we usually don’t know how the season is going to play out. Guess what? That’s okay because it’s why the NFL is so fun and one of the reasons why we keep watching! When it comes to life, are we willing to admit when we just don’t know? We like to have all the answers, sometimes pretend like we’re all-knowing, and claim to have everything figured out as to what should happen in our lives. We like to make bold predictions about what we’re going to do and when we’re going to do it and have strong opinions about what’s best. However, James 4:13-16 (NLT) warns us, “Look here, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.' How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, 'If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.' Otherwise, you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.” We must remain humble about what we’re going to do and what to expect in the future. We don’t know the wonderful blessings up ahead or the devastating struggles awaiting us. We don’t know how we’re going to get through a tough season and we don’t know how God is going to use it for His purposes. We don’t always know why God allows certain things to happen or why He doesn’t stop things. We don't know when He's going to show up in incredible ways and open up unexpected doors. We don't understand why certain things are taking place and why God hasn’t revealed the answers we’ve been waiting for. Romans 11:33 (NLT) declares, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!” Isaiah 55:8 (NLT) says, “'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.'”
The truth is, we don’t always know what God is up to or how things are going to play out. Yes, God reveals so much to us in His Word and we gain knowledge and wisdom as week seek Him. But, oftentimes we’re not in the know, and we have a limited understanding of elements beyond our control and what’s to come in the future. Guess what? That’s okay because we serve a God who knows what He’s doing and we just need to trust Him! We need to accept that although we don’t have all the answers, He does and He guides us each step of the way. When wrestling with questions and concerns about the how, why’s, and what’s of life, we should be willing to say, "I don’t know, but I trust God." Today, let's remember that He is with us, He loves us, and He is faithful, so we can “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7; ESV). I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, there is so much about life and the future that I just don’t know. Help me to be okay with that as I’m reminded You are in control and worthy to be trusted. Please show me the way to go and help me remain humble and open-handed to whatever plans You have for me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
What situations are you facing today that you need to admit you just don't know what's going to happen and need to trust God?
How does acknowledging your limited understanding give you peace as you trust in God?
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