Wow, the first Sunday in the NFL was loaded with thrilling games...a few surprises...and an Aaron Rodgers memorable comeback!
We saw weather delays, strong rookie debuts, and Ryan Fitzpatrick leading the Bucs to a win. It was a fun day all around with some teams pumped about kicking off the season 1-0 and others disappointed starting off week 1 in the hole.
And then, you have the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
We were all intrigued to find out how the Steelers' running game would look without Le’Veon Bell, and we were curious if the Browns could live up to their preseason hype and maybe win a game this year.
Well, after 70 minutes of action, the game ended in a 21-21 tie with neither team able to score in overtime!
The running game looked great for Pittsburgh, as James Conner accumulated 192 total yards, and Cleveland showed improvement with their impressive comeback after being down 21-7 with 5:23 left in the third quarter.
But at the end of the day, what do we do with a tie?
Nobody won and nobody lost and everyone walked away feeling unsatisfied and just blah. Who likes 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 settled for instead.
When we take 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 aware we aren’t winning either?
Too often we chase the comforts of the world by not wanting to rock the boat or step out in faith. We just survive each day trying not to lose and settling for a “tie,” but the truth is, it leaves us feeling “blah” and deep down we are longing for more.
In order to experience victory, we must realize Jesus is the only way. He provides us with salvation and eternal life, and as we surrender to Him daily through the power of His Holy Spirit, 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 not forget the victory we have through Jesus and remember we have no need to settle for a “tie” each day.
Colossians 2:6-10 (paraphrased in the Living Bible) assures us,
"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.”
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.
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