The New York Giants, who are 1-8, have had a rough year dealing with major injuries and very poor play. They gave the San Francisco 49ers their first win last Sunday, which added to the criticism of head coach Ben McAdoo.
The team is trying to identify their issues and ways they can improve, and apparently McAdoo called for a "long, hard, honest meeting" yesterday. The struggles can’t be placed on just one person, and an overall effort and change in attitude seem to be needed for them to be more competitive throughout the rest of the season.
After Sunday’s game, McAdoo shared this comment with the media:"It's not one player and it's not on all plays. It's something that almost looks like at times we're waiting for someone else to make a play instead of just pulling the trigger and making the play ourselves."
With eleven guys on the field, football allows both defensive and offensive players to hide at times. Players can think someone else will step up and do what needs to be done, and if one side of the ball is struggling, they can easily expect someone on the other side to make a play.
This mentality of players hoping the other guy makes the tackle, picks up the block, or ignites the team, unfortunately, translates into our own lives.
How many times have we let someone else make the effort, do the serving, or be generous? Instead of “just pulling the trigger and making the play ourselves,” we are either hesitant, lazy, or lack the willingness to step it up.
When we follow Jesus, however, we should be the ones serving others, giving generously, and initiating what we know we’re called to do. Bywalking in step with God, He will clearly let us know when we have opportunities to “make a play” for His purpose and glory.
As we’re filled with the knowledge of Jesus and power of the Holy Spirit, we’re equipped to make a difference in people’s lives...stand out...and do what others aren’t willing to do.
When we do the work of the Lord in view of what’s been done for us on the cross (and the new life we have in Him), we can expect effective and fruitful results.
The Bible says in 2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV), "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
"For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Today, let’s continue to grow in our understanding of who Jesus is and the life He’s called us to. Our deeper faith will bring about an effective and fruitful life...leading us to “make the plays” and step it up to serve God and others.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please give me the strength to no longer sit back and expect someone else to do what I know I should do. I pray I’d help in situations where I know I’m needed, and that I’d do what You’ve called me to do. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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