I'm excited about the College Football Playoff expanding to 12 teams this year, and I can't wait to watch how the games unfold over the next month.
Although many college football fans and analysts join me in the excitement, there are also many questions, complaints, concerns, disappointment, and disbelief regarding the 12 teams that the CFP committee selected.
As is the case, anytime there are subjective qualifications, there are disagreements about which teams should have made it in and which teams should have been left out.
Many people are shouting, "I don't like that decision," "How could they allow that team to get in?" and "That's not fair!"
The loudest cries are from those who believe Alabama should have been selected instead of SMU. Other complaints are about the CFP format and how conference champions like Boise State and Arizona State were given top-four seeds and byes over presumed better teams.
Some people don't like the seeding or the timing when specific teams play each other in the bracket. Some believe one side of the bracket is loaded with more talented teams than the other. Others don't like that their favorite team has a hard path to the championship.
No matter the complaint or question, it's directed toward the committee. Fans think they could have done a better job putting together the bracket of 12 teams.
Fans think they know better, want their frustrations and disappointments heard, and wish the committee wasn't in charge. We pridefully say we would have done things differently if we were in charge.
Ultimately, though, as fans, we aren't in charge. We now have to choose between continuing to complain and remaining bitter, frustrated, and disappointed or embracing the plan for the College Football Playoff. We can either make the most of it and trust it will work out or keep questioning and declaring why we don't like what has happened.
As we look at our lives, we know there are times when we have a similar sentiment about our circumstances. We complain, question, criticize, and declare we don't like what has happened. We pridefully say we would have done things differently if we were in charge.
Usually, we direct our frustration, disbelief, and complaints toward God. We can't believe He allowed something to happen, we're disappointed that His plan wasn't different, we wish He did what we wanted Him to, and we cry out that it's unfair.
We let our voice be heard, or we harbor resentment and bitterness in our hearts with these thoughts:
"I don't like that!"
"I think my way would be better."
"God, what are You thinking?" "I don't deserve this!" "Oh, come on!" "I don't want my path to be so hard."
Unlike the College Football Playoff committee, God isn't flawed and doesn't make mistakes. His plans and purposes are perfect, and His "format" and decisions are always right.
Psalm 18:30 (NLT) declares, "God's way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection."
Proverbs 19:21 (AMP) says, "Many plans are in a man's mind, But it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand (be carried out)."
We have the choice: Will we trust Him, embrace His ways and timing, and acknowledge that He's in charge and has the power…or will we continue to complain and remain bitter, frustrated, and disappointed?
Will we embrace His plan and make the most of it? Although it may not be what we would choose, will we believe His "bracket" will work out best for His purposes?
Psalm 138:8 (NLT) tells us, "The Lord will work out His plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for You made me."
Are we willing to surrender our lives and say, "Not my will, but Yours be done," as Jesus did before He went to the cross?
Luke 22:41-42 (AMP) explains, "And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, 'Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.'"
Today, let's be honest with the Lord about our questions and complaints but then quickly leave them at His feet as we repent, surrender, and acknowledge that He knows what He's doing and is worthy to be trusted.
Let's pray as David in 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV), "Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all."
I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for complaining and doubting Your goodness. I know Your ways are better and higher than mine, and You know what You're doing. I trust You, but help my unbelief as I desire for Your will to be done. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
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