Over the next three weeks of the NFL season, more and more teams will be eliminated from playoff contention. When this happens, star players and starters have to decide if they shut it down and give up on the rest of the season or try to keep playing. Oftentimes, players who have been playing through injuries will say that’s enough and go on injured reserve. Teams still have to field a roster every week, even though they’re out of the playoff picture, but this is when guys start being accused of quitting on their coach. It’s always clear which teams finish the year strong vs. which ones throw in the towel. This is a tough situation for players who have a secure roster spot for next year and no real benefit to continue playing hard right now. However, as sports fans, we don’t like to watch players give up. From a society standpoint, we also don’t like to see people quit, surrender, or stop trying. We promote perseverance and to always finish strong. I understand why surrendering is viewed as a bad thing and I agree that players should keep playing hard because that kind of giving up isn't admirable. However, we have to change our perspective on what “giving up” and “surrendering” actually mean in the context of following Jesus. Of course, we want to keep the faith, cling to hope, and trust God as we persevere, but we can do that with His power instead of our own when we surrender to Him. Surrender means to “give up” in the sense of throwing in the towel and to stop doing things our own way and in our own strength. By surrendering to God, there is great freedom when we “give up” control and follow His way instead. It’s very hard to do sometimes, but the results are fruitful! But besides putting an end to our old patterns of sin, we also give our lives, worries, fears, needs, and dreams to God…and “give it up” to Him. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” When we fully surrender, we give up…let go…and then give it up. We no longer hold on tightly to our own desires, concerns, hurt, and bitterness but rather hand them over to God and trust Him with our lives. Paul writes in Romans 12:1 (NLT), “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him.” Today, let’s realize we persevere with greater power by surrendering and being a living sacrifice. Our strength and freedom are found when we give up…let go…give it up…and trust God. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I give up trying to do things on my own and in my limited strength. I need you desperately and I surrender to You and Your ways. Thank You for saving me and giving me true life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is the toughest thing for you to let go or surrender?
Have you experienced a specific time when you gave up trying to control things and let God work?
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