The Las Vegas Raiders were the first NFL team to begin training camp, reporting to their facility last week. I’m jumping on their bandwagon this year as a big fan of quarterback, Derek Carr...receiver, Hunter Renfrow...and the new addition of former Packers wide receiver, Davante Adams. Raiders' tight end, Darren Waller, is another player to root for with a journey that has included overcoming a drug addiction beginning at 15 years old which almost ruined his career, to becoming one of the best in the NFL at his position. Waller has been a reliable weapon in the Raiders' passing game and in 2020, he led the NFL in receptions by a tight end and caught nine touchdowns. Based on his success in recent years Waller is considered underpaid compared to other top tight ends. Looking to sign a new deal with more money, he’s still showing up to camp and allowing his agent to handle the contract negotiations instead of holding out as other players do in similar situations. When asked about it, Waller told the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “I’m focused on playing right now. My agent handles that. Whatever is going on there is whatever is going on there. But whatever the outcome is of that, I’m here and I’m playing.” I really appreciate his approach to controlling what he can control, trusting his agent to do what he does, and remaining focused on his role as a player. How different would our lives be if we operated with a similar mindset? As followers of Jesus, we serve a God who loves us and is working on our behalf and for our good. He knows what He’s doing, so we can trust Him to do what only He can do as we focus on the role He’s called us to. He takes care of us and provides what we need. He's the one fighting our battles, handling the outcomes, and is with us each step of the way. In the Old Testament, God continues to remind His people of this and we can find peace knowing He will do the same for us. Deuteronomy 3:22 (ESV) says, “You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” Exodus 14:14 (AMP) says, "The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent and remain calm.” We must also remember that Jesus has fought the ultimate battle on our behalf as He defeated sin and death when He went to the cross and rose again. He tells us “...that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33; ESV). Instead of becoming distracted and filled with worry over our tribulations, problems, and desired outcomes, we need to surrender and trust that God is working on our behalf. We must do what we're charged to do in these two important verses: “...casting all your cares on Him, for He cares about you ” (1 Peter 5:7; AMP). “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22; ESV). Just like Darren Waller has left his contract concerns up to his agent and said “my agent handles that,” we can similarly release our worries, burdens, and battles to God by saying, “my God handles that.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I trust You with my burdens and thank You for fighting my battles. I know You are working in my circumstances on my behalf and for my good and Your glory. I trust You with whatever the outcome may be because I know You are with me. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What battles are you in right now?
What has your experience been when you trusted God to take care of something for you?
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