In 2022, Steve Wilks was the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers and became the interim head coach after Matt Rhule was fired following a 1-4 start. After Wilks took over, the Panthers turned the season around going 6-6 the rest of the way and almost winning the NFC South Division. Following that season, Wilks was a candidate to be the permanent head coach of the Panthers, but instead, was passed over in favor of Frank Reich. It was a tough situation for Wilks not to get the job, considering he had the team playing so much better, along with having the support of many players and fans. Plus, he had strong ties to the area since he grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Appalachian State. (I was hoping he’d get the job!) However, it didn’t work out for him to become the Panthers head coach, and instead, he went out to San Francisco to become their defensive coordinator. Now, the defense he leads is in the Super Bowl preparing to take on the Chiefs. Following their impressive win over the Lions last weekend, which included the defense making huge stops on fourth downs and forcing a key fumble, Wilks tweeted out a reference to a Bible verse, as well as an image. The verse he referred to is Psalm 100:5 (NIV): “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” The image read, "As I look back on my life, I realize that every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better." It appears he’s happy and thankful to be with the 49ers and one win away from being a Super Bowl champ. Of course, there was disappointment because of the Panthers' rejection, but it’s amazing to see what he was “redirected” to instead. Many of us know all too well what it’s like to be rejected, passed over, and not get what we hoped for. But more often than not, when we look back, we realize how happy and thankful we are to be where we ended up instead. Of course, rejection hurts badly and there is disappointment when we're turned down or told no, but it’s amazing to see how we are “redirected” to something better. As followers of Jesus, we can find peace and confidence when we face rejection. That’s because, whether relationally or career-wise or in some other situation when a door closes, we can trust God to “redirect” us toward what is best. Oftentimes, rejection is a wonderful blessing and although we don’t see what’s going on immediately, God leads us toward something so much better...for His purposes. I truly believe the promise of Romans 8:28 (AMP): “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” The story in the Old Testament where Joseph is rejected by his brothers and sold into slavery, points to God’s faithfulness and plan. Joseph was “redirected” and eventually ended up in a place of power (second-in-command over Egypt), which enabled him to help his family (who rejected him) survive when a famine hit. He told his brothers in Genesis 50:20 (ESV), “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” Today, let’s praise God for His goodness and faithfulness in our lives as we reflect on the times of rejection that turned out to be a redirection toward something so much better. Also, if we're currently dealing with rejection, let's cling to God’s promises and not forget that Jesus knows all about rejection. Thankfully, we can turn to Him to comfort us through our rejection and give us hope for what's next. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises and Your plan. I praise You for Your goodness and Your faithfulness. I don’t like to be rejected, but I know I can trust You to redirect me toward something so much better. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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