New Coaches Go 0-7

Every NFL offseason, a handful of owners and general managers decide it’s time for a change and fire their head coach. By hiring someone new, they anticipate a fresh playbook, a renewed culture in the locker room, and an altered approach with the players. Most times if a new head coach is taking over, an old regime has experienced too much losing and the franchise is hoping a switch will make a difference. Seven head coaches made their debut with their new teams in Week 1...and they all lost! Matt Patricia and the Lions fell badly to the Jets last night...Jon Gruden’s Raiders looked sloppy...Matt Nagy’s Bears lost a tight one...Frank Reich’s Colts let one slip away...Pat Shurmur’s Giants couldn’t overcome the Jaguars' defense...Mike Vrabel's Titans struggled in Miami...and Steve Wilks’ Cardinals couldn’t get things going against the Redskins. It’s only Week 1, but we know how impatient fans are and how we all love instant results. We expect the players to immediately adapt to their coach’s new system and play totally different right away. When we don’t see the changes take hold quickly, we easily give up and start questioning the coaching hire - despite the fact that even coaches like Bill Belichick have lost their first game. This same mentality takes over when we attempt to start new and make personal changes in our own lives too. After deciding it's time to personally switch things up, we want to experience instant results. If we don’t see the changes take hold right away, we are tempted to give up and question the changes we have made. However, if we prayerfully and wisely feel led by God to make specific adjustments in our lives, we have to remain patient and not overreact so quickly. Whether we have a new job, church, city, or neighborhood, if it doesn't all click right away, it doesn't mean we have made the wrong move. Also, as we trust God to help us make a spiritual transformation, we must remember it’s a process that takes time and we don’t become mature followers of Jesus overnight. If we’re genuinely pursuing Him, we can’t get discouraged when the changes we desire don’t take effect right away. We have to trust He’s working in us and we’ll bear fruit as we continue seeking Him. Patience is crucial in many areas of our lives and we need prayer and faith to continue to endure. Colossians 1:11-12 (NLT) says, "We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the light.” Today, let’s be open to the changes that need to be made in our lives and continually desire growth. At the same time, even when we don’t “win” right way, let’s remain patient as God works in us and through us to accomplish His will. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit I want instant results when I make changes, but I pray You would give me the strength and patience I need to endure the process. Thanks for Your transforming power that is working within me. It’s in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.