Yesterday in the NFL, we saw some of the top teams keep rolling as the Chiefs took care of the Jets and the Steelers knocked off the Ravens. The Saints, Bills, Colts, and Seahawks also won again and appear likely to make the playoffs.
Several other teams that entered Week 8 in need of a win, are in the middle of a rebuild or dealing with injuries, or just surprisingly off this year. Struggling to get into a rhythm and finish games, getting a win was important for these teams to gain confidence and hope.
The Cincinnati Bengals had lost three games in a row heading into Sunday, but they upset the Tennesee Titans 31-20. Although it’s only their second win of the season, just getting another win confirms the team is heading in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings were coming off two losses in a row, yet they were able to take down their division rival, the Green Bay Packers, to secure their second win of the season.
Last Thursday, the Falcons beat the Panthers to also snag their second win of the year.
Throw in the Broncos squeaking out their third win with an impressive comeback, and overall, teams who were looking for a "w" in the win column made it happen and now have hope to keep going.
We know the NFL is a week-to-week league and you can’t win ten games all at once, but a five-game or three-game or eight-game winning streak starts with just one win. Teams that are rebuilding just need a win to realize what it takes, and underperforming teams just need a win to trigger a turnaround.
In our own lives, when it comes to achieving goals or going through a rebuilding process in certain areas, we know how important getting a win is. Sometimes it means starting small or catching a good break or finding one positive thing to kickstart the momentum.
Like some of the teams we discussed earlier, we can feel overwhelmed by the thought of the rebuild or the turnaround we know we need, but one win can make such a difference.
Proverbs 13:12 gives us this wisdom in The Message translation of the Bible: ”Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.”
Some of us have dreams and visions for a better life, but before we win the “Super Bowl,” we have to start our winning streak with one win.
Even though it’s easy to downplay "just one win" because we have a long ways to go, if God has called us to make a change and is in the process of rebuilding our lives, we can celebrate the small win because it gives us hope to keep going.
In the Old Testament, the book of Zechariah is filled with the prophet’s visions and one of them is about the rebuilding of the temple being led by Zerubbabel and Joshua.
Zechariah 4:8-10 (NLT) says, "Then another message came to me from the Lord: 'Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent Me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand...'”
The ESV Study Bible notes for this verse says, “God’s work may start in small and unobtrusive ways, yet reach a glorious conclusion.”
Today, let’s be encouraged to start with one win and one step of faith...even if it's a small one. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for all the times You've provided a win when I needed some hope and encouragement. Please strengthen me to do what You've called me to do and help me be grateful for small beginnings. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What kind of win are you looking for to give you some momentum?
Looking back on your life, can you think of a time when it felt like small beginnings, but now see all that God did after that point?
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