The Disrupted Life

The NBA offseason continues to be the talk of the sports world, as teams look to make major moves left and right. Teams are scrambling to put themselves in the best position for a significant addition that takes them to the next level. There are plenty of rumblings about where Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Paul George, and a handful of other stars will end up in the next few weeks. Trade scenarios and free agent movement that would radically change the landscape of the NBA are being discussed, leaving some teams in a tough spot and others thrilled about a new look roster. A word that sums up all of the action taking place is “disruption." Many teams don't want to remain on the same path they've been on, so they're looking to drastically switch things up. With top players holding a lot of power to disrupt the NBA and alter the course of multiple teams all at once, we're waiting for the first domino to fall. Most of the league changes are in response to the dominance of the Golden State Warriors. They have disrupted the way many teams have been approaching the building of a team, and have caused many general managers to switch directions. As players change courses and the league is altered, I'm reminded of the disruption that comes from following Jesus. When He came to earth, people's lives were flipped upside down and things began to dramatically change. The early disciples were busy being fishermen before Jesus altered their lives. The religious people were getting caught up in rules and rituals before He interrupted their thinking. When surrendering our lives to Jesus, plans and activities are going to be inescapably changed. Our lives are on the path to death before He disrupts everything and offers us salvation. The new life He invites us to may shake up what some would consider the "good life" on earth, but the temporary sufferings and sacrifices we now experience prepare us for eternity and bring God glory. The apostle Paul (who was first Saul, the murderer) experienced an extreme transformation when He met Jesus on the road to Damascus. He later wrote in Galatians 2:20 (AMP), "I have been crucified with Christ ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Today, are we clinging too tightly to the “good life” by chasing our own plan and path...or are we embracing the “disrupted life” that Jesus invites us to? I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for meeting me right where I am. I pray You would disrupt my life and show me which path to take. Help me not to be scared of trading my old life for the new life You have planned for me. Thank you for sending Jesus to transform the world. In His name, I pray, Amen.