Aaron Rodgers is known as one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL. Winning a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers, he's had a very impressive career.
However, those who follow the sport know that Rodgers seems different and that his production hasn’t been the same in recent years.
Even though his team was 13-3 last year and had a deep playoff run, questions are surrounding the way he plays now. Some make the case that he’s not taking enough chances or risks and is playing too safe and scared.
Fox Sports’ radio/TV host, Colin Cowherd, has been very vocal about this and stated the following on his show:
“Aaron Rodgers used to be more of a risk-taker, but I think he’s very sensitive with criticism, and guys tend to protect their space in life. Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees are all over the record books, but Rodgers is not. He has ONE record that really means something to him – PASSER RATING; number one all-time barely.
"Interceptions are not good for his efficiency rating and I think over the last 4 of 5 years he’s gotten too safe and protective of that record. He led the NFL in throwaways last year, and you won’t beat San Francisco by playing scared, ‘playing it safe’ and not throwing it up. The last year Rodgers threw double-digit picks was the last year he won the Super Bowl.”
Of course, a QB's goal isn’t to throw interceptions, but he can’t expect to sustain a high level of success if he’s not willing to take some key chances down the field for a big play at the right time.
In our own lives, we face decisions to either take a chance “down the field” or play it safe instead. Like a QB, we don’t want to be foolish...and knowing the right time to take a risk (depending on the circumstances) is important.
As followers of Jesus, we always want to operate with wisdom and discernment, but we must realize there will be times when He asks us to step out in faith and really go for it.
Unfortunately, all too often we live scared lives where we are "playing it safe” and “not throwing it up.” When we do that, we miss out on the joy and thrills of a faith-filled life.
Taking steps of faith requires keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and trusting Him when fear creeps in. We might throw interceptions, have moments of doubt, and face challenges when we do take risks, but we can rest assured Jesus has His hand stretched out to rescue and guide us.
The classic Bible story found in Matthew 14 tells the story of Peter stepping out of the boat in faith: "Then Peter called to Him, 'Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.
"'Save me, Lord!' he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. 'You have so little faith,' Jesus said. 'Why did you doubt Me?'" (verses 28-31; NLT).
With faith, Peter walked on water, but in fear, he sank. Today, let’s seek the Lord and evaluate our lives to identify the ways we’re “playing it safe” and allowing fear to take our eyes off of Jesus.
Let’s discern the steps of faith Jesus is telling us to take...and keep in mind that disobeying is actually riskier than "taking a chance down the field."
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to live a faith-filled life where I take wise risks of obedience. I know Your hand is holding me and You’re guiding me. Remove my fear and help me know when You want me to go for it instead of play it safe. My trust is in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is the biggest step of faith you’ve taken in your life and how do you look back on it now?
In what way do you sense God is calling you to step out of the boat?
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