Yesterday, NFL fans were finally rewarded with two intense and close games that had dramatic finishes. On the road in Dallas, the Packers’ final drive was especially exciting with 12 seconds left and the score tied at 31.
Third and 20 from their own 31-yard line, Aaron Rodgers made a ridiculous throw to his tight end, Jared Cook, for a 36-yard sideline catch. That set up the game-winning field goal, and now the Packers are heading to the NFC Championship in Atlanta.
The cool part about that play is how Rodgers drew it up in the huddle. It wasn’t an official play call, but he just told the guys what to do like they were playing in the backyard. What an amazing play when you consider he left the pocket, rolled left, and threw the ball across his body to complete the crucial pass.
Rodgers is continuing to strengthen his reputation as one of the most confident and poised quarterbacks ever while showing how incredible he is when out of the pocket.
It’s one thing for a quarterback to make impressive throws while his offensive line is giving him plenty of time in the pocket, but it’s another story when a QB is forced to move out of the pocket and improvise on the run.
Rodgers has mastered those kinds of throws and proven that he doesn’t have to stay in the typical comfort zone of the pocket to have success. He is bold enough to draw up a play in the final drive of a road playoff game...not scared to be out of the pocket...and willing to make difficult throws across his body to a receiver on the sideline.
As I think about the mentality and action required to pull those things off, I consider the “similar” scenarios in our own lives. How do we handle the pressure of difficult situations?
Do we rise to the occasion or just give up? Do we allow fear to run our lives, so we never step out of our comfort zone, or do we step out of “the pocket” and really thrive? Do we obey God when He’s clearly calling us to do something or do we sit in the pocket and take the sack instead?
I believe we all have opportunities to demonstrate boldness and confidence, as we step out of our comfort zones and do incredible things for the Lord with His power and strength. We must have the right mentality and willingness to get out of the pocket and run where He wants us to go.
The Bible says in Joshua 1:9 ESV, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Today, as each of us faces our own game-winning drives, let’s remain strong and courageous. Let's be willing to make that outrageous throw down the field because we know the Lord our God is with us wherever we go. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for allowing fear to keep me in my comfort zone. I pray that I would rely on Your strength and power to step out in boldness and confidence to do everything You are calling me to do. I pray I would have the right mindset and be willing to do difficult things that ultimately bring glory and honor to You. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
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