NFL training camps are starting up, the preseason is right around the corner, and the regular season will be here before we know it. As sports fans, we can’t wait for the return of football and the opportunity to root for our favorite teams and players. A new season also means there's excitement to see how rookies look, how players fit in on new teams, and how well new head coaches perform. Here are some of the more intriguing new players, coaches, and situations bringing uncertainty and change to the upcoming year:
How will Sean Payton do as a head coach with a different franchise, and will he turn around Russell Wilson and the Broncos?
What kind of impact will quarterbacks, Derek Carr, and Aaron Rodgers, have on their new teams?
Will head coach Frank Reich be the right fit in Carolina, and will rookie QB Bryce Young make an immediate impact?
How will the Eagles respond after losing both coordinators to head coaching jobs (Shane Steichen to the Colts and Jonathan Gannon to Arizona)?
The Texans have a new head coach in DeMeco Ryans and a new quarterback with CJ Stroud, so how long will it take for Houston to no longer be one of the worst teams in the league?
Before the real games begin in week one, we'll continue to wonder how the new players and coaches will handle the challenges of stepping into unchartered territory. We’re curious to see how they'll approach the game while playing with and coaching different guys, and how they'll respond to the pressure of change. Even veteran coaches will be confronted by a matchup with a rookie QB or head coach, making it a new challenge and a unique opportunity. During this upcoming season, ultimately every team is stepping into the unknown in some way. Similar to the players and coaches, we know what it’s like to face new challenges with limited understanding. Whether it’s having a baby, starting a different job, entering a fresh season of life, or moving to an unfamiliar area, these unknown and uncertain experiences can bring about temptations, struggles, and emotions that catch us off guard. Stepping into unchartered territory can provide a unique opportunity but also be overwhelming and a true test. Sometimes it’s hard to prepare for something we haven’t seen or gone up against before, but we must figure out the best way to approach the unknown, embrace the challenge, and endure the process of change. Thankfully as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to do this alone because God is willing to show us how to navigate. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) says, “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” We are on a step-by-step journey with Him as we walk through the unknown. Jesus understands what we’re facing and gives us the strength to work through the difficulties, especially as we battle sin and weakness. Hebrews 4:15 (AMP) tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin.” Also, we can live with peace in knowing God is on our “sidelines” as we step into new challenges and respond to the pressure of change and the fear of the unknown. Psalm 118:6 (ESV) reminds us that “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Today, when we enter the “field” and the uncertainty of life, let’s do so with confidence, trust, and peace because our Lord is with us and He knows what to do. As Oswald Chambers writes, “We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next.” We can echo the prayer of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT): “…We do not know what to do, but we are looking to You for help.” I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me Your Word as my guide, and thank you, Jesus, for being my strength, comfort, and peace. Please help me not to fear or give in to temptation as I face new challenges. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What new challenges are you facing right now?
2. Which of the verses is most encouraging for you concerning your current challenges?
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