Putting Aside Hurts, Alabama Wins

It’s a QB's dream to win a National Championship...and a QB's nightmare to be benched on the largest stage in college football. Alabama’s Jalen Hurts experienced both last night as the Crimson Tide pulled out the win over Georgia in overtime 26-23.

The biggest storyline of this epic game and comeback was Nick Saban taking out his starting quarterback (with a 25-2 record), and having Tua Tagovailoa (an inexperienced freshman) start the second half.

With Hurts struggling to get the offense going, Tua came in and gave the team a spark by throwing three touchdowns - including the thrilling game-winner. I'm sure Hurts was extremely disappointed about being taken out while his backup stole the show, but he displayed a very supportive and encouraging attitude towards Tua. His choice to remain upbeat and positive on the sideline during the second half may be even more impressive than what took place on the field.

Continuing to be an incredible example after the game, Hurts said this: "As a team player, you have to do what's best for the team. It was important for me to be true to myself and be the team leader I have always been. Don't change because of a little adversity. Be true. Be true to it."

Being happy for someone who experiences success isn't always easy to do - especially while dealing with our own pain and disappointment.

However, when we're able to support and cheer on someone during their time to shine, it’s a great opportunity to represent the example Jesus set.

Philippians 2:3-7 (ESV) tells us, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

Sometimes in life, we're not the one to throw the game-winning touchdown...because we’re on the sideline. Or we're not the one getting the promotion...because we're unemployed.

We may not be the one having a baby...because we have complications. And, we may not be the one getting married...because we're still searching. But when our friends and family members are "the one" in the spotlight, instead of us, we can choose to be happy for them and consider their moments as significant.

Our attitude of enthusiasm and humility reveals that our love for Jesus and for them outweighs our own disappointment and selfishness.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to follow Jesus’ example of humility and sacrifice, and want to be someone that looks past my own pain in order to be genuinely happy for others. I want to serve them well, even when they are doing something I wish I was doing. I can’t do this without Your power within me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.