The NFL season has gotten off to a tremendous start through four weeks, but the injuries are starting to pile up, resulting in many backup QBs getting the chance to enter the lineup. Yesterday, Saints QB, Andy Dalton, started in place of Jameis Winston and tonight 49ers QB, Jimmy Garoppolo, will start once again for Trey Lance who is out for the season. Jets QB, Joe Flacco, filled in for a few weeks while Zach Wilson was healing up and Teddy Bridgewater is now replacing Tua Tagovailoa until he’s ready to get back out there. During the Giants game yesterday, QB, Daniel Jones, got banged up, and in went Tyrod Taylor, who also ended up getting injured. At that point, the Giants had to get creative with running back, Saquon Barkley, behind the center. Meanwhile, Cowboys Cooper Rush has moved to 3-0 on the season since taking over for injured starter, Dak Prescott, as they got an impressive win against Washington. The sports cliche or theme that sums up what’s been going on this season is “next man up.” Everyone has to stay ready and be prepared to play at any time. On Sunday, the Patriots were without starting QB, Mac Jones, who was replaced by the veteran, Brian Hoyer. However, Hoyer went down with an injury during their second drive and third-string rookie quarterback, Bailey Zappe, made his debut against the Packers. He played well enough to keep the Patriots in it until they lost in overtime 27-24. Wide receiver, DeVante Parker, caught a touchdown from Zappe and made this comment about his third-string QB following the game: “You’ve got to stay ready. He looked good. I’m proud of the way he stepped up and handled things. When he came in, he was doing pretty good. Next man up. He was ready to go. He came in and did what he had to do.” The reality is, once a player goes down with an injury during a game, another player has to immediately grab his helmet and go onto the field. Each player has to have the “next man up” and “stay ready” mentality and must fully embrace his opportunity whenever it presents itself. In sports, backup players have to learn not to be discouraged that they aren’t already out there. Instead, they must set themselves up to succeed once they’re called upon. Many backups become future starters because when they were eventually given the opportunity as the “next man up,” they were equipped and prepared to handle it. We can implement the “next man up” mentality in our own lives by always “staying ready” for when God calls upon us to take action, step up, and fill in. When we’re waiting for our chance or praying for God to open a door in different areas of our lives, we shouldn’t be discouraged or spend time complaining. Instead, we ought to use that time to become equipped and prepared while staying ready for the signal that it’s our time. This enables us to jump right in as the “next man up.” Just like backups who are waiting yet practicing hard, studying the playbook, and listening to their coaches while developing and preparing, as followers of Jesus, we pray, study God’s Word, remain thankful, and seek wisdom. 1 Peter 1:13 (NLT) says, “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” Colossians 4:2 (AMP) tells us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”
Lastly, as we look for opportunities to serve God and point others toward Jesus and tell them about our faith, this also comes with preparation and the need to be ready. 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) explains, “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as Holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” As we experience an NFL season that continues to see players step up when called upon, let’s be encouraged to become reliable, equipped, and eager to answer God’s call when He tells us it’s time to get out there. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I don’t like to wait, but as I do, please help me be equipped and ready for when the time is right. Prepare my mind and heart to serve You and be used by You for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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