Last week, the NFL announced each team’s 2021 schedule. While looking at the calendar and the different matchups, predictions are being made about which teams will have the toughest and easiest schedules.
We, as fans, especially get excited when we see the easy matchups of our favorite team since we want them to win as many games as possible. However, when we notice there's a tough stretch on the schedule that includes some harder teams to beat, we get nervous about our team’s chances.
With the NBA’s regular season coming to an end last night, teams jockeyed for their spot not only in the playoffs but also played to determine what seed they would be.
There were conversations about certain teams hoping to have easier matchups in the first round based on where they landed in the standings, so they did what they could to set themselves up for what they think will be the easiest road in the playoffs.
Yet, the teams that usually win the Super Bowl or the NBA Championship have a challenging journey along the way. The difficulties they experience actually contribute to their ultimate victory.
In life, when we look at “the schedule” or the “matchups” or the “seedings,” our default desire is to want what's easy. Very often, we do whatever we can to avoid difficulties, the hard things, and things we deem too challenging.
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 took the difficult steps of faith and trusted Jesus on the path He wants us to take?
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 to choose the right path versus the path that’s easy. I know I’m going to continue to face challenges and hardships, but I’m so thankful You are with me each step of the way. I’m grateful for the victory I have in Jesus and the peace and hope I can cling to. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
When has the hard path been the best and right path for you to take?
What is your perspective on the easy life?
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