It’s Week 1 in the NFL, giving us our first glance at every coach, player, and broadcaster. Most of us were especially curious to see how the rookies performed, how new free-agent additions fit in, and the difference the first-year head coaches made on their new teams.
Unfortunately, many teams with new players or coaches didn’t win yesterday. So, the temptation for everyone following the first game is to overreact, jump to conclusions, and get angry. However, as hard as it is, we must exercise understanding, patience, and grace while analyzing and examining each situation.
The Falcons came into the season with heightened expectations thanks to the addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Raheem Morris. Following their 18-10 loss to the Steelers yesterday, it’s easy to be frustrated that the offense didn’t do much, and Cousins only threw for 155 yards and two interceptions.
It’s crucial, though, that Falcons fans remain patient and understand that Cousins is coming off an Achilles injury, and it will take some time for him to get fully healthy and adjust to his new teammates.
It’s crazy to think the Bengals lost at home yesterday to the Patriots, and we could already write them off until we remind ourselves that Joe Burrow is returning from a wrist injury, Tee Higgins didn’t play, and Ja’Marr Chase wasn’t at full strength. It would be wise to show patience to this dynamic offense.
Meanwhile, rookie quarterbacks Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels experienced losses in their first game while Caleb Williams threw for less than 100 yards, but his Bears team still won. It will take time for all three guys to develop and turn their franchises around.
Maybe yesterday’s most highly anticipated rookie debut involved Tom Brady broadcasting the Browns and Cowboys game. He received mixed reviews, facing pressure to live up to the huge contract he signed with Fox and the expectation he’s supposed to be great right away. It’s unreasonable to think he will be a perfect broadcaster in week 1, considering this role will take time to master.
My Carolina Panthers looked awful again yesterday, getting blown out by the Saints, but it doesn’t mean rookie head coach Dave Canales isn’t the right head coach to get the Panthers back on track. Fans have to give him a shot to put his stamp on this team and show him grace while he makes the necessary changes (which probably means putting in a different quarterback).
There are moments in sports when we’ve seen enough, and someone receives plenty of time and opportunity, and it’s right to move on. However, this requires discernment and understanding, and even then, there needs to be patience, realistic expectations, and compassion.
When it comes to our lives, we know how hard it is to be patient with others and ourselves because we want immediate results, instant impact, and overnight success.
We can have unrealistic expectations and unreasonable timelines and put undue pressure on others or ourselves regarding spiritual maturity, character growth, and Biblical learning.
However, we must show patience, grace, and compassion without getting angry while seeking a proper understanding of the situation.
Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) says, “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
Paul implores us in Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT), “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”
Too often, we get angry and frustrated when we don’t experience the desired results as quickly as we want. We also see others let us down, not act like we think they should, and (in our opinion) take too long to change.
Instead of giving up, we must look for progress, celebrate each small win, and realize that spiritual formation/transformation is a process that takes time.
So today, as we try to be patient with our favorite NFL team after just one week, more importantly, let’s choose to be patient with ourselves and others. Let’s eagerly seek God, pray for transformation, and trust Him to grow in us and others in His timing.
God is so kind and patient with us, and He’s filled with grace, love, and mercy, so let’s ask Him to help us be the same way!
As Colossians 3:12 (AMP) tells us, “So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]…”
I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess to impatience with others and myself. I want instant results and immediate change. Please help me live a life of love, understanding, and compassion as I exercise patience and experience grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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