*Today is the final devotional in our summer series, UNPACK this...32 Teams, 32 Devotionals. If you missed any, be sure to check out unpackinit.com/NFL32.
The Detroit Lions are the last team up and NFL fans know they have a long history of losing. Over the years, they’ve had some incredible players like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, but they’ve had a tough time turning the corner.
However, it’s year two with head coach, Matt Patricia, and the first year with offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, and there appears to be optimism and change taking place in Detroit.
Ryan Russell wrote a blog on sidelionreport.com that leads off with this subtitle: "The Detroit Lions Have Revealed Their New Identity to Those That are Paying Attention.”
He states, “The Detroit Lions have been the same team for so long that most of us can’t even remember another way. It has been a few years in the making now, but this Lions team is going to come out looking totally different in 2019.”
Russell further explains that thanks to impressive running back, Kerryon Johnson, they are transitioning from a “pass-happy team” to one that uses their running game to set up their passing game.
According to his blog, the offense isn’t the only aspect of the team being transformed. He writes, “The defense for Detroit hasn’t really had a true identity in years. The Lions seem to have plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball year after year, but they never had any real direction to follow. That started to change when Detroit hired Matt Patricia as their head coach last offseason.”
As far as the Detriot Lions having a new identity, I think the most challenging aspect will be for the fans, and even the players, to recognize and believe the team is truly different.
They’ve been used to a certain way of playing for so long, but now they must accept that a change is taking place...and they don’t have to fall back into their old ways of thinking.
This is also true for those of us who have given our lives to Jesus. As we follow Him, know Him, and seek Him, we become a totally different person.
Our new identity is rooted in Him and we no longer have to think or live the same way we used to. We must recognize and believe that we are truly changed when Jesus enters in.
I love what the Bible says in these two verses in the Amplified version:
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ , he is a new creature ; the old things have passed away. Behold, new things have come " (2 Corinthians 5:17).
"I have been crucified with Christ ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20). As we think about how “this Lions team is going to come out looking totally different in 2019,” let’s be encouraged that “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” and “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature.” Today, let’s live confidently in our new identity and not turn back as God continues to transform us. I’m Bryce Johnson and you canUNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for changing me from the inside out. I know I'm a new creation because of Jesus and I pray I'd live with an understanding of my new identity. I ask that others would recognize the transformation that continues to take place. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What would others say your identity is?
What do you think your identity is?
How has Jesus transformed your life?
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