Last night’s Chiefs and Chargers game turned out to be a tight one as the Chiefs hung on to a 27-24 win. Both teams are expected to have successful seasons and last night’s game could have gone either way. The pivotal play that swung the game in favor of the Chiefs happened early in the 4th quarter when the score was tied at 17. The Chargers were moving down the field thanks to back-to-back catches from tight end, Gerald Everett. After getting the first down, Everett looked to the sideline indicating he wanted a breather. However, instead of being taken out of the game for a quick rest, the Chargers were in hurry-up offense and went no-huddle, so he remained on the field. They were inside the five-yard line, looking to score on first and goal as quarterback, Justin Herbert, went to Everett once again. But the pass was intercepted by the Chiefs and taken back 99 yards for a touchdown. When looking at the replay, it was clear that Everett was exhausted and gassed and didn’t have the necessary energy to make a play on the ball. The Chiefs took advantage of that and stole a touchdown from the Chargers. The play was game-changing for a couple of reasons, but the key issue was expecting Everett to make another catch when he just needed to catch his breath. Everett knew he wanted to sub out because he was wiped, but he was forced to stay out there and as a result, wasn’t able to give his best effort when running the route. The coach's unwillingness to give him a quick break turned out to be costly for the team. How many of us can relate to this scenario in our own lives? Do we acknowledge we need a breather, but then line up for another play anyway? Do we sense we can’t give any more of ourselves unless we take a break, but stay “on the field” regardless? Do we pressure others around us to stay on the field instead of helping them sub out? As the fall season is underway, I know that many of us have a lot going on with work, family, church, and of course, sports. We’re catching pass after pass, so to speak, and if we don’t pause when we know we need to, it can turn out to be costly. There are also times when we look to the sideline for a break, but our boss or spouse or somebody else doesn’t permit us to come out of the game. Things are moving quickly and the next play is happening and it seems there is no time to catch our breath. Our life is a hurry-up offense and we just can’t seem to get a breather. However, as we see with Gerald Everett and the Chargers, it was a mistake to keep him out there. He just went through the motions instead of giving the effort required because he was gassed and out of energy. His opponent took full advantage of his weakness. I know we could argue that players should have better conditioning or just need to suck it up for one more play, but the truth is, when someone is worn out, they have nothing more to offer until they head to the sideline for some rest. We are all limited and when we know it’s time for a break, we must take it. We can’t keep going and going. The Bible tells us in Psalm 127:2 (NLT), “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” We know that when we’re physically exhausted our body needs to be replenished, and the same is true for us spiritually. In many ways, they are connected. We can run hard and catch passes, but we must keep a rhythm of rest, pausing, and taking breaks from the action. We especially need to pull away in order to be refreshed by God and allow Him to fill us back up with His Spirit. When we’re worn out and just going through the motions, we can’t continue to operate well or have the energy to do what God wants us to do. Even Jesus needed rest to get refueled and stepped away from the action so He could spend time with His Father. Luke 5:16 (NIV) tells us, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Matthew 14:23 (AMP) says, “After He had dismissed the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening, He was there alone.” Today, let’s be willing to acknowledge when we’re worn down or exhausted and need a break and choose to go to the sideline for a breather before we cost ourselves or our team. Praise God that He loves us and gives us the rest we need when we're willing to pause and trust Him by stepping away from running one more play. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your willingness to restore and replenish me when I’m worn out and exhausted. I know that my toiling and striving oftentimes is a lack of trust. I pray that I’d take rest and breaks seriously. I desire to pull away from the action and spend quality time with You and in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
Have you learned how to take a breather or do you struggle with stepping away from the action?
Would you consider yourself exhausted or do you operate with a good rhythm of rest and replenishment?
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