The NFL finds a way to make a big deal about everything they do and this week all the hype surrounded the release of the 2024 schedule. We now know every team's opponent and when they will face their rivals. While looking at last year's records, the calendar, and different matchups, predictions are being made about which teams will have the toughest and easiest schedules. The Saints, Falcons, Panthers, and Bears appear to have the easiest schedules while the Browns, Ravens, Steelers, Texans, and Packers have the toughest. We, as fans, especially get excited when we see the easy matchups of our favorite team since we want them to have the best chance to win as many games as possible. However, when we notice a tough stretch on the schedule that includes some harder teams to beat, we get nervous about our team’s chances. Yet, the teams that usually win the Super Bowl have a challenging journey. The difficulties they experience prepare them for the playoffs, and the tough tests they overcome contribute to their ultimate victory. When we look at “the schedule” or the “matchups” in life, our default desire is to want what’s easy. Often, we do whatever we can to avoid difficulties and things we deem too challenging. We think we’ll "win" more if life is easy. However, what if the easy way isn’t always the right way? What if the hard path is the best? What if the more challenges we face throughout the journey, the more winning we’ll eventually experience? What if instead of taking the easy way out or always chasing the easy road, we take the difficult steps of faith and trust Jesus on the path He leads us on? When Jesus invites us to follow Him, it’s not so our life will be the easiest on earth, but rather how He explains it in Luke 14:27 (AMP): “Whoever does not carry his own cross and follow after Me cannot be My disciple.” As we follow Jesus, we don’t get the “easiest schedule” or the “easiest matchups,” but that’s okay because He’s with us through the struggles and the challenges, giving us power, strength, rest, hope, and ultimate victory. Jesus says in John 16:33 (AMP), “…In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous ; I have overcome the world.” ” Although it’s not always easy to face the “tough matchups” (especially when it comes to loving our enemies, forgiving those who hurt us, sacrificing for others, and taking up our cross daily), Jesus is right there with us, and His path is always the best. Today, when He purposefully takes us out of our comfort zone, let’s embrace that our “tough schedules” build us, shape us, prepare us, and bless us. “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way” (Matthew 5:9-12; NLT). I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me choose the right path versus the easiest. I know I'll continue to face challenges and hardships, but I’m so thankful You’re with me each step of the way. I’m grateful for my victory in Jesus and the peace and hope I can cling to. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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