The Tennessee Titans are the surprise team in this year’s NFL playoffs as they will compete against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
The Titans have a stout defense and a running back (Derrick Henry) who has been a fierce and effective runner, but the most fascinating story is what has taken place at the quarterback position.
In 2015, the Titans drafted Marcus Mariota second overall with the hopes he’d be their franchise quarterback. Unfortunately, his play over the years has been up and down and relatively average.
Mariota's best season was in 2016 when he threw for 26 touchdowns, but then followed that up in 2017 with 13 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
The 2019 season has been a make or break year for him because it’s the final year of his contract. Despite initially being named the starter, by week seven he had lost his starting job to backup quarterback, Ryan Tannehill. At that point, the Titans were 2-4 with nobody thinking about a trip to the Super Bowl.
Since Tannehill was named the starter for week seven, the Titans have only lost three games and have been on a remarkable run through the playoffs knocking off the Patriots and Ravens.
In unpacking this story, there are two perspectives to factor in when admiring what the Titans have done. On the one end is redemption for Ryan Tannehill after the Miami Dolphins gave up on him as their franchise QB and the Titans gave him a fresh start.
On the other end, however, is the unfortunate situation for the former Heisman Trophy winner and second overall pick, Mariota, to be benched and watch his team have this kind of success.
I share this story as the backdrop to the postgame prayer picture shown above. If you notice by the X's, Mariota (#8) has his hand on Tannehill (#17) - the guy who took his job. Mariota could have joined the prayer circle somewhere else, but he was willing to reach his hand out to Tannehill.
Are you kidding me? It makes me wonder, do we draw closer to the person who is experiencing the kind of blessing we desire and maybe praying about...or do we allow bitterness, resentment, and jealousy to push us away from this person?
I’m not sure what kind of relationship they actually have, but I find great inspiration from what the picture depicts. Each of us can relate to both Mariota and Tannehill because sometimes life goes our way and we “win as the starter.” Then, there are other times when we watch from the sidelines as family members, co-workers, friends, and neighbors succeed.
Is it possible to support others, be happy for them, and remain in their circle despite our own disappointment? I think the answer is "yes" when we are filled with contentment and thankfulness for what we do have.
The only way for that to happen is by resting in Jesus and relying on Him to enable us to remain at peace. We must trust Him through our challenges instead of allowing bitterness and envy to take over.
Proverbs 14:30 (NIV) explains how, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Job 5:2 (NLT) says, “Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.”
I recently read the book, The True Measure of a Man, by Richard E. Simmons III (I highly recommend it!) who shares wisdom that can encourage us today.
He writes, “R.C. Sproul says one sure indicator that reveals a person who is truly content with his life is when this person sees his friends and peers doing well and prospering and he rejoices with them. He is happy for them.
"On the other hand, when he sees them struggle and go through difficult times, he feels their pain and has great compassion for them. He hurts for them.”
Today, let’s cheer for one another and remain connected as we choose peace and contentment. Let's follow Jesus and avoid the pitfalls of jealousy and resentment.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit it’s hard to watch others experience the kind of blessing I would like to have. Help me trust You and Your timing as I wait. I desire to be supportive and happy for them. I pray I’d find my contentment and peace in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is the toughest thing to be happy about for others and what challenges your contentment?
What would it look like for you to reach out and support someone who is experiencing success in an area you wish you were?
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