If we try and rank the top five NFL quarterbacks right now, we can make the case for the usual ones like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Rodgers. Also in the mix would be Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray (when healthy), and Josh Allen.
The quarterback position is so important in today’s NFL and even as you look at the list above, there’s no one way a QB has to play…or one specific athletic style he has to have.
However, as we watch these guys take the snap on each play, one of the keys to a QB’s success is his decision-making. More specifically, it comes down to how quickly he can make the right choice with the football.
As soon as the ball is in his hands, the defense is caving in on him and he has to figure out if a wide receiver is open or not and whether he needs to tuck the ball and run, scramble and then throw downfield, or throw the ball away.
A quarterback has to know he can’t hesitate, be indecisive, or be reluctant because that usually leads to a sack or an interception.
The top QBs thrive in different ways with their ability to make quick decisions.
Tom Brady finds the open receiver right away and gets rid of it.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best at knowing when to throw the ball away.
Josh Allen knows when to scramble and then throw.
And, Lamar Jackson sure can tuck and run!
On the flip side, the struggling QB stands in the pocket too long and hesitates to do anything, so he gets stuck and ultimately sacked. He also panics at the last second and is forced to throw the ball up for an interception.
As we parallel the importance of quick decision-making in our own lives, I’m not talking about choices that require lots of thought, prayer, and wise counsel.
But, as followers of Jesus who are led and guided by Him and receive promptings from the Holy Spirit, we need to be less hesitant, indecisive, and reluctant in certain situations.
If we know God is calling us to do something according to His will and we see an open “field” in front of us, then we need to “tuck the ball and run.”
Psalm 119:60 (NLT) encourages us with these words: “I will hurry, without delay, to obey Your commands.”
If we see an opportunity to share our faith, we “get the ball in their hands” quickly instead of reluctantly.
When there’s a need to come alongside someone with encouragement, we don’t hesitate, but rather “…encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception” (Hebrews 3:13; CSB).
And if “the defense is caving in on us” with a temptation about to “sack us,” we must immediately “throw the ball away” and get out of that predicament.
Thankfully, we can do this with God’s leading because the Bible explains, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13; ESV).
This weekend as we watch football, let’s notice the confident QBs who make quick and wise decisions…and which ones are hesitant, tentative, reluctant, and indecisive.
When we do, let's be reminded and encouraged to follow Jesus’ way immediately and confidently in our day-to-day lives. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit there are times when I know I need to obey and take a step of faith, but instead I hesitate and become indecisive. I pray to be in sync with Your Spirit so I can confidently and wisely know the decisions I need to make, and when necessary, to make them quickly. Thank you for Your patience and grace with me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What kinds of decisions do you think are important to act quickly without delay?
What causes you to be indecisive or hesitant when making decisions?
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