The Minnesota Miracle

After seven hours of engaging football on Sunday, including a Jaguars upset and an array of amazing touchdowns, sports fans (with the exception of Saints fans) experienced one of the most euphoric plays in NFL Playoff history. As Case Keenum threw a desperate, yet remarkable 61-yard touchdown to Stefon Diggs with time expiring, the phrase "Minnesota Miracle" instantaneously came into being. Down by one point and no timeouts, the Minnesota Vikings were hoping for a miraculous play that would give them a chance to get the win over New Orleans. Amazingly, the Saints’ defenders were unable to deflect the pass or make the tackle, while Diggs was able to stay in bounds and run down the sideline into the end zone. You didn't have to be a true Vikings fan to start screaming and cheering about this improbable play that turned into a game-changing moment...and ultimately, the "Minnesota Miracle." Sports fans dream of witnessing unbelievable plays such as these, as a heightened love of the game is the result. We watch week after week, play after play, in anticipation of viewing the impossible. Then when it actually happens, we are overwhelmed with exuberant emotion. In many ways, our faith is similar. We wait and hope that God comes through for us, and when he shows up with a miracle, we scream and cheer in euphoria. We feel such joy and passion for God during the mountaintop moments of our lives because He demonstrates His miraculous power and love. These mind-blowing and faith-building miracles are awesome and unforgettable, but what happens before...after...and in between them are also important to consider. As sports fans, we watch many games that won’t provide the historic play, but in order to be in a position to witness the next one, we keep watching. We see plenty of punts, dropped passes, and plays with no gain, but remain dedicated fans even when the miraculous plays aren't happening. Likewise, we aren’t called to follow Jesus only when miracles are happening and when we’re on the mountaintop. Instead, we need to stay steadfast and continually committed to Him - even when walking through the valley and experiencing quiet times. Although we love celebrating the huge blessings in our lives and experiencing overwhelming joy, we must also be passionate and loyal in between the miracles. The truth is, every breath is worthy of praise! As we reflect on past miracles, and patiently wait for God to mightily move again, let’s “Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11). Let’s declare that “Every day I will bless You and lovingly praise You; Yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever” (Psalm 145:2 (AMP). Today, let’s remember to "Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP). I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know there are miracles all around me, and that there have been miraculous moments in my own life. As I desire to worship You and seek You continually, I thank you for every miracle and for all of the times in between. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.