The Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl champions and I’m thrilled for head coach Andy Reid...MVP Patrick Mahomes...and all of the fans that were rooting for them.
BUT...when the 49ers were leading 20-10 with only 7:13 left to go in the 4th quarter, the outcome appeared like it was going to be much different.
At that time, Patrick Mahomes had already thrown two interceptions and the 49ers' defense wasn’t giving him much of an opportunity to throw the ball down the field.
The high-powered offense was struggling to get things going and their chances to win a Super Bowl were slim as they faced a 3rd and 15.
THEN...when Mahomes finally threw a deep pass for a 44-yard completion to Tyreek Hill, there was a sudden turning point in the game.
The Chiefs scored a touchdown shortly after that and ended up scoring two more on their way to becoming the first team in Super Bowl history to score 21 points on offense in the fourth quarter.
That one big play to Hill completely opened up their offense, totally shifted the momentum, and ultimately changed the outcome of the game.
As critical as that play ended up being, I can’t help but think about the key moment before Mahomes threw the pass.
The offense was struggling, dealing with a long third down, and waiting for something to happen. Instead of panicking, losing hope, giving up, or holding onto the ball, the Chiefs called a play for Hill to go deep down the field.
When Mahomes went for it with his crucial long throw, it ended up being just the spark the Chiefs needed!
We love when sports provide game-changing plays, pivotal moments, critical decisions, and climatic turning points. These types of momentum shifters occur when a lot is on the line and when it feels like a game is about to slip away unless something drastic happens.
This results in players becoming legends and stars that really shine.
As we unpack the Super Bowl and point to the pivotal pass by Mahomes and the catch by Hill, I know there are many of us waiting for a turning point in our own lives.
We’ve been struggling for “three and a half quarters” and the momentum seems to be against us. We’re looking for an opening, an opportunity, and a way for everything to change.
I believe “game-changing” plays happen in life as a result of surrender, trust, and hope. When we place our faith in Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, that is the ultimate turning point. He alters the course of our life and provides the drastic change we need.
Then, as we continue to follow Him, we find ourselves with “3rd and 15” choices that require our dependence on Him to show us which “play” He’s calling for us.
Oftentimes, it means we have to throw the ball down the field, take a step of faith, and believe God will provide the necessary spark.
In these key moments when we face critical decisions and are waiting for the momentum to shift, we must surrender and trust instead of panicking, losing hope, giving up, or holding onto the ball.
The following verses can encourage us to keep trusting:
"I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13; NLT).
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6; NIV).
Today, let’s thank God for the turning points He’s already provided. Let's trust Him to continue to change our lives from the inside-out as we make pivotal decisions to trust His way.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the sparks in my life that lead to change. Please continue to transform me and help me make pivotal choices that align with Your will. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are the key turning points in your own story?
What is a pivotal decision you’re trusting God to help you make?
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