Sunday in the NFL delivered some thrilling performances as the Bills knocked off the Chiefs, the Chargers held on to beat the Bengals, and the Lions dominated the Jaguars.
However, one of the day's best stories was a midseason redemption.
Anthony Richardson was drafted by the Colts last season to be their next franchise quarterback, and before an injury, he showed glimpses of being a potential star. Coming into this year, he had a lot of hype, but unfortunately, the first part of the season didn't go as well as everyone hoped.
A few weeks ago, he took off a play because he was tired, which is unheard of for a quarterback. That decision, along with his poor play and lack of preparation, led the Colts to bench him in favor of veteran Joe Flacco. But, after a couple of losses for Flacco, the Colts determined it was time to give their 22-year-old quarterback another chance as the starter.
On Sunday, Richardson stepped up in a big way and led his first fourth-quarter comeback and game-winning touchdown drive of his career as the Colts beat the Jets in New York 28-27. Richardson threw for 272 yards and a touchdown and ran in two rushing touchdowns.
The bounce-back game for Richardson was impressive as it showed the changes he made the last few weeks made a difference. As he stepped back from being the starter, the coaches wanted to see him prepare better, pay more attention to detail, and put the time and work into the job off the field.
Head coach Shane Steichen said last week, "The preparation's got to be at a premium, especially at the quarterback position."
After the big win, he said about Richardson, "He was putting in the work…He was ready to roll today."
According to ProFootballTalk.com, "After the game, Richardson said his two-game benching 'allowed me to take a step back and just clean up some things that I have to clean up,' and it resulted in him feeling more relaxed than he has at any other point in his professional career."
According to TheAthletic.com, one of Richardson's teammates, third-string QB Sam Ehlinger, decided to help him make some changes the last few weeks, and this is what he told Anthony: "The systems and habits you create determine the man you're gonna be, the father you're gonna be, the husband you're gonna be, and then, ultimately, the player you're gonna be."
Ehlinger told the media, "We talked a lot about just building the right system to give you the best chance."
At least for one game, the results of his adjusted system of preparation and the habits he put in place were positive as Richardson led his Colts to a crucial win.
Having a system of preparation, planning properly, and putting the time and work in is critical to experiencing the desired results.
Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) tells us, "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
As followers of Jesus, we can incorporate suitable systems and habits into our lives to grow spiritually and prepare ourselves to handle life's daily challenges and the many different situations we find ourselves in.
When we prepare properly by relying on God, He will transform us and we can live in peace or be “more relaxed,” respond well, and know what to do. Our “systems” and “habits” will contribute to us becoming the type of person we will be.
So, how is our preparation? What have we put in place each day? Are we preparing our hearts each morning to be aligned with Jesus? Are we preparing our minds to be focused on Him and His Word? Are we preparing to fight against temptations?
Ephesians 6:13 (AMP) says, "Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious]."
1 Peter 1:13 (NLT) states, "So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world."
What practices contribute to our spiritual formation and help us become like Jesus? Do we have a system that allows us to pray for others intentionally? Do we habitually spend time each morning in fellowship with God? Are we always ready to share our faith and tell others about Jesus? Are we “putting the work in” and “ready to roll”?
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) challenges us: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Today, let’s live in Christ’s freedom and grace while embracing the preparation, systems, habits, practices, and efforts rooted in Him, knowing they will lead to spiritual growth, tremendous blessings, and fruitful results.
I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to have self-control and self-discipline so that I remain committed to preparing my mind and heart each day to face whatever comes my way. Help me to rely on Your strength and Your transforming power. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.