The Super Bowl was filled with amazing athletes and tremendous plays, and it turned out to be a tight and competitive matchup between the Chiefs and the Eagles. Unfortunately, as memorable and exciting as the game was, there was one problem that caused issues for both teams the entire game…the field! It was too slick and the paint seemed to make it worse with guys falling to the ground when planting their feet. The players slipping and sliding was driving me crazy as a fan, but it was really brutal for the guys as they tried to gain traction and remain standing. ESPN.COM wrote in an article, “Players from both teams had a hard time keeping their footing, leading several to change their cleats. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes slipped while trying to make a cut but was able to gain a few more yards. Kansas City receiver Skyy Moore lost his footing on a jet sweep, and running back Isiah Pacheco even slipped on his celebration after scoring a touchdown.” Some players called it the worse field they'd ever played on and members of both teams were negatively affected by the slippery turf as their feet slid and prevented them from making the right move. Ultimately, the Chiefs were able to overcome the slip ‘n slide field and win the game, but the NFL must make the necessary changes to give teams a better foundation to play on so they can have a firm footing when competing at the highest level. This unacceptable turf debacle from the Super Bowl provides us with a great parallel to our own lives when it comes to the importance of standing firm in our faith and being firm-footed in the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (AMP) tells us, “Be on guard; stand firm in your faith . Act like men and be courageous; be strong.” To prevent the constant slipping and sliding into sin and to remain standing, we need to build our lives on a proper foundation, following Jesus and obeying His Word. When we do, Jesus explains in Luke 6:48 (NLT), ”It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.” We also need to put on the right kind of armor to stand firm and keep us from losing our footing and slipping into sin. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:13 (AMP), “Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to resist and stand your ground in the evil day , and having done everything , to stand firm .” Part of that armor includes our “cleats” to help us plant our feet properly and gain traction. Ephesians 6:15 (AMP) says, “...and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation .” The New Living Translation for that verse says, “For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.” The footnote adds, “Or For shoes, put on the readiness to preach the Good News of peace with God.” We must stand firm, rooted in the Gospel and always prepared to tell others the good news of Jesus and the peace He provides. We remind ourselves of the Gospel, as well, which keeps us from getting caught up on the "slippery turf" of this world. We know that life is challenging and so many things are attempting to knock us down and cause us to slip and slide all over the place. Thankfully, when we cling to Jesus and remain in Him, building our lives on His firm foundation, we’ll keep our footing. As Psalm 56:13 (NLT) says, “For You have rescued me from death; You have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in Your presence, O God, in Your life-giving light.” Today, let’s praise God for helping us to stay upright and make the right moves! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to stand firm in my faith in You instead of slipping and sliding into sin and doubt. I pray I remain rooted in the Gospel and always be prepared to share the good news of Jesus. Thank you for rescuing me and keeping me upright. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What causes you to slip and slide in your faith and how do you stand firm? 2. How have you built your life on the firm foundation of Christ and God's Word?
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