The Detroit Lions haven't won a game all season, but yesterday they came away with a 16-16 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite an additional ten minutes, the game ended with neither team able to score in overtime! In some ways, a tie can be positive for a team. At least the Steelers hung in there without starting quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Likewise, the Lions can feel good about how well they ran the ball, rushing for a season-high of 229 yards. Both teams survived the game without a loss, but they're still disappointed they didn’t win. I think Lions' quarterback, Jared Goff, sums it well with the comment he made following the game: "I don’t know how to feel. It feels better than a loss, but still not where we need to be. It’s a step in the right direction and it’s encouraging the way we fought and some of the plays that we were able to make on offense." Of course, the Lions are glad they didn’t lose this time, but they could have won if they took advantage of the many chances they had throughout the game. The Steelers can be happy that they remain only one win back from the Ravens in the AFC North standings, but at the end of the day, they missed their opportunity to win. Something about a tie leaves everyone feeling blah and unsatisfied. Who likes to see ties in sports? Don’t we want to see someone experience victory when the game ends? Those playing and those watching wanted more than a tie, but that’s what we had to settle for. By taking a look at our own lives, are we experiencing victory or is each day just ending in a “tie”? Are we truly following Jesus, fully satisfied in Him, and finding abundant life in Him…or are we stuck in neutral, glad we aren’t losing, but not winning either? When we're just surviving each day, doing the bare minimum, trying not to lose, and settling for a "tie," we can't help but feel "blah" and have a deep-down longing for more. To experience everlasting victory, we must realize Jesus is the only way. He provides us with salvation and eternal life, and as we surrender to Him through the power of His Holy Spirit and take advantage of the opportunities He gives us to win each day, we experience life to the fullest. The Bible says in 1 John 5:4-5 (AMP), “For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our faith . Who is the one who is victorious and overcomes the world? It is the one who believes and recognizes the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.” As children of God, let’s enjoy the victory we have through Jesus and remember we don't need to settle for a “tie” each day. Rather, let's allow His love and power to enable us to "win" by looking beyond our circumstances and seeing each day as a chance to know God, serve Him, honor Him, and enjoy Him. Colossians 2:6-10 (paraphrased in the Living Bible) gives us this assurance: “And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him, too, for each day’s problems; live in vital union with Him. Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done. “Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” God makes a way for us to win because of our union with Him through Christ, so let’s take advantage of the opportunities to move beyond neutral, just surviving, only "tying," and into actually thriving! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to live life to the fullest, recognizing that’s only possible as I trust You and live for You. Thank you for saving me and for giving me the abundant life found in Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Would you describe your life as victorious or are you just ending your days with a tie?
What areas of your life are you looking to experience victory?
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