As this life continues to be tough, confusing, and frustrating with so much going on in the world, I confess it’s hard not to feel the weight of it all. It’s challenging to remain positive and optimistic.
Today, it’d be fun to write about NFL training camp or the NBA Playoffs, but bigger things are going on beyond the court and field that has everyone’s attention: hurricanes...COVID-19...racial injustices...riots...protests...and political tensions.
As sports fans, we saw NBA players boycott their games yesterday which led to more teams and players in other leagues not playing or practicing.
TNT’s, Kenny Smith, even walked off the TV set in the middle of their coverage. All of this came about in response to the Jacob Blake shooting and the desire to use the platforms they have to promote societal change.
It appears the NBA Playoffs will resume after taking another day off, but their willingness to speak out and be in the middle of conversations will continue.
There are many questions, concerns, and opinions flying around with multiple perspectives on how athletes should be involved. What do they hope to accomplish? What will they do next? Are their voices being heard?
Sports are normally a distraction, but as fans, we are now wrestling with our own feelings, opinions, and questions about everything that's going on in the world.
How are we supposed to respond? How do we help with injustice? How can we make a difference? How do we remain hopeful in the midst of so much brokenness?
As we send out this devotional each day, it’s my goal to challenge, encourage, and inspire each other to follow Jesus and become more like Him. I want us to keep pointing each other toward Him because in Him we do have hope and we do have a Savior.
While encountering issues in our lives and hearing about what others are going through, our best option is to find refuge in the Lord and respond in ways He wants us to.
I don’t have a devotional today that parallels the sports world like I normally do. However, God has led me to a passage in Scripture that I believe we can find encouragement and perspective as we navigate everything we’re facing.
1 Peter chapter 3 (NLT) is written to believers in Jesus, so let’s consider the following verses (8-17):
"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing.
"For the Scriptures say, 'If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns His face against those who do evil.'
"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.
"Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!”
Let’s seek the truth...stand up for what is right...be a light in a dark world...be a blessing...speak life...and share hope. Everyone is looking for an answer, so let’s keep turning to the One who is.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I am desperate for Your love and peace. This world is so broken with so many hurting people and I pray I can be a light. Please show me ways to make a difference and to show people there is hope because of Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
With everything going on, in what ways are you wrestling the most?
What part of the Scripture above, hit you the hardest?
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