The season appeared bleak for the New York Giants after their star running back, Saquon Barkley, tore his ACL in their second game. After a 1-7 start, they seemed likely to be heading for another top draft pick.
However, after yesterday’s surprising win against the Seattle Seahawks, they have now won four in a row and are currently leading the NFC East. The Giants' defense has allowed only five total offensive touchdowns during their winning streak and all of a sudden they have playoff aspirations.
Although the Giants don’t have the most talented roster (they are coming off a 4-12 campaign a year ago that resulted in the firing of head coach Pat Shurmur) and played without their starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, and running back, Devonta Freeman, yesterday, they still beat the previously 8-3 Seahawks 17-12 in Seattle.
The Giants won with journeyman running back, Alfred Morris, scoring two touchdowns (his first two-TD game since 2014) and backup quarterback, Colt McCoy, winning his first game since 2014.
The Giants’ defense was stout once again, but seriously, how does this team keep winning? My guess is it has a lot to do with them playing as if they have nothing to lose.
Let's face it, they have a new head coach in Joe Judge and played without their key offensive weapons, so the pressure and expectations to win were low.
The team can go out there relaxed, play loose, unafraid, and unconcerned with the scoreboard. If they win, they are thrilled to have a chance for the playoffs, but if they lose, they know they are rebuilding and their stud running back is returning next year.
In other words, they are fine with both outcomes because they either have a chance at winning their division or a better position for the draft. It doesn't mean they play carelessly or foolishly, but they can play with peace and freedom.
There is a great parallel to our own perspective as followers of Jesus when it comes to living or dying. Paul wrote about this in Philippians 1:21-25 (NLT): "For to me, living means living for Christ and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.”
This enables us to live with the "nothing to lose" mentality, so to speak, because we don't have to fear death since we know we'll be with Jesus...or if we continue to live on this earth, we can be used for God's purposes.
This should allow us to remain at peace, unafraid, and unconcerned with the "scoreboard." We go out each day with freedom and faith.
This doesn't mean we act foolishly or carelessly because we have "nothing to lose," but rather we stick to what it says in Ephesians 5:15-17 (NLT): "So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do."
Today, let's take a deep breath and thank God for saving us and allowing us to live with the assurance that whether we live or die on this earth, we win!
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to live with an eternal perspective so that I can remain at peace, enjoying the freedom I have in You, and choosing faith over fear. I pray I'd live with wisdom and purpose. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Do you fear death?
How would your life change if your focus was to "live is Christ, to die is gain"?
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