The Jacksonville Jaguars are one win away from the Super Bowl, largely due to their dominant defense. The front office and coaching staff have done an admirable job putting together the right combination of young drafted players and veteran free agents.
While players like Jalen Ramsey, Calais Campbell, and Telvin Smith get the most attention, Yannick Ngakoue has been crucial to the success of the Jaguars' defense.
This defensive end led the NFL with six forced fumbles during the regular season, while also totaling 12 sacks. Last week in Pittsburgh, his forced fumble helped lead to the big win against the Steelers. He’s also been involved in five of the eight touchdowns scored by the Jags’ defense this season.
The ability to consistently force fumbles is a critical, yet rare, skill in the NFL. In order for a player to regularly knock the ball out of the hands of an offensive player, he must be intentional about putting himself in position to do so. It’s hard to accidentally take the ball away, but it’s much easier when a defender deliberately goes after the ball.
The concept of intentionality isn’t exclusive to forcing fumbles, and is a trait worth implementing in our own lives. If we desire to have a deeper understanding of who God is, we must be intentional about studying scripture and spending time with Him. We have to purposely pursue God and put ourselves in position to hear Him.
If we want to have meaningful relationships with friends, we have to be intentional in calling them, inviting them to get together, and placing value on what they say during conversations.
Just because we want our marriages to thrive doesn't mean it happens automatically. Instead, we must be intentional about serving our spouses, caring for their needs, and listening to what’s on their hearts.
Whether we’re talking about our faith growing or relationships deepening, it takes a process of awareness, assessment, planning, and intentionally taking action.
The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT), "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."
Today, let’s look at our lives to determine ways we can intentionally make changes while following God’s Word and seeking His best for us.
As Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV) puts it, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You’d reveal ways I can incorporate intentionality into my life. I know there are steps to take that require Your guidance, and result in meaningful relationships and a purpose-filled life. I pray I’d take deliberate action as I follow Your will. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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