Quarterback Russell Wilson is on his way to signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos after two losing seasons. Although Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and has proven to be a reliable starting quarterback over the years, he's recently struggled with consistency. As a result, last season, he was benched by the Broncos after a 7-8 record. With Wilson's new opportunity in Pittsburgh, we now wonder if he can revive his career and restore his legacy. These are some other questions that come to mind: Will he be able to re-establish himself as a top quarterback and play with a renewed passion following the humbling experience in Denver? Is he willing to honestly evaluate what went wrong and make the necessary changes? Will Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin be able to rejuvenate and reinvigorate Wilson? As we think about Wilson’s opportunity to experience a revival in his football career, I wonder how many of us long for our own revival. What aspects of our lives need to be revived and restored? In Billy Graham’s book, Hear My Heart, we're given a good definition: “The meaning of the word ‘revive’ in the Old Testament is ‘to recover,’ ‘to restore,’ ‘to return’ to God’s standard for His people. The word for ‘revive’ in the New Testament means ‘to stir up’ or ‘to rekindle a fire that is slowly dying.'” Sometimes, we take steps backward or stagnate in our faith and don't experience many wins. Other times, our lives are in disarray, we lack confidence and momentum, and we don't thrive like we once did. We don't have to remain discouraged, though. Instead, we can turn to God and ask Him to revive us and renew our minds. He's the One who will rejuvenate and reinvigorate us through His love and mercy, and desires to return to Him so He can graciously give us a fresh start. Psalm 23:3 (ESV) declares, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Isaiah 55:7 (CSB) says, “Let the wicked one abandon his way and the sinful one his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, so He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will freely forgive.” Maybe sin has been dragging us down…or the pressures of life have caused our spiritual lives to suffer. Perhaps our prayer life and time in God’s Word need a spark…or our marriage must be restored after a difficult season. There is hope for revival as we follow Jesus and rely on the Holy Spirit. In Psalm 51:10 (AMP), God gives us these reassuring words to pray: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right and steadfast spirit within me.” Russell Wilson is hoping to once again play up to the standard of a future Hall of Fame quarterback. He wants to rekindle a career that has been slowly dying. We may similarly find ourselves coming off a tough season and are looking to re-establish a growing relationship with Christ. So, let's ask the Lord to stir up our passion for His Word and give us a strong desire to live according to His standard. Psalm 19:7 (NLT) says, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” As some of us root for Russell Wilson to revive his career in Pittsburgh, let’s be encouraged to seek God and experience revival in our hearts and relationships. Today, “Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!” (Lamentations 3:40; ESV). I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You” (Psalm 51:10-12; NLT).
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