Last night, the undefeated San Francisco 49ers and their divisional rival, Seattle Seahawks, provided an epic Monday Night Football game ending in overtime.
Doing just enough against their dominant defense, the Seahawks squeaked out the victory on the road and handed the 49ers their first loss of the season.
This was a defensive battle with both teams forcing turnovers and scoring defensive touchdowns, but I’ll argue the difference in the game was quarterback Russell Wilson.
He didn’t have a huge statistical night (enough for my Fantasy team to win, however) and even threw a key interception, but throughout the game, he showed off his ability to keep plays alive.
It's remarkable how well Wilson handles the pressure...escapes defenders...finds an open receiver when a play breaks down...runs for a first down...and stays upright, despite the pocket collapsing around him.
As the Seahawks moved to 8-2 this season, Wilson proved once again why he’s one of the frontrunners to win this year’s MVP award.
While we consider Wilson’s ability to “keep plays alive,” I want to draw a parallel to what it means for us to “keep faith alive” as followers of Jesus.
So often when pressure intensifies and stuff comes at us in every direction, we feel like the pocket is collapsing around us. In these moments, we could easily get sacked or give up “on the play.”
But this is when we must “keep faith alive and stay upright” by fixing our eyes “downfield” for an open receiver. In other words, we must intentionally keep our eyes on Jesus.
When life gets tough and our plans break down, our faith allows us to escape the defenders and make the most of the situation.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) says, "And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Russell Wilson makes every effort not to let the play die and likewise, we must make every effort not to let our faith die.
1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT) tells us to "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked."
Hebrews 2:1 (AMP) explains, "For this reason we must pay much closer attention than ever to the things that we have heard, so that we do not drift away from truth."
Finally, James 2:26 (AMP) affirms, "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.”
Because of Jesus’ grace and the truth that our salvation is in Him, we don’t have to be perfect, but we do need to keep our faith alive by fully devoting each day to trusting and obeying Him.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and to continually deepen my faith. I pray I won't drift or choose disobedience but will desire to keep my faith alive and well. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are you having a tough time obeying right now?
As you pursue keeping your faith alive, what is challenging you the most right now?
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