The Slings and Arrows of Training Camp

We’ve heard the NFL has become a “passing league,” with more of an emphasis on the quarterbacks and the wide receivers. In order to combat the high powered offenses, defensive coordinators are building their teams around strong pass rushers and reliable cover corners.

The Philadelphia Eagles are a team on the rise, but the position of cornerback is an area of concern. They’re looking for guys to step up and provide the needed playmaking and consistency, and have been rotating players in and out to try to find the best combination.

Training camp is the time for teams to evaluate their roster and determine which players can handle certain situations, and which guys are willing to do what is required. It’s a chance for players to respond well to whatever may be thrown at them.

Jim Schwartz is the defensive coordinator for the Eagles, and is keeping a close eye on his secondary. He recently said, “We have to be able to see who can survive the slings and arrows of training camp. There are going to be some situations that are bad.”

Training camp isn't easy - especially when a player is trying to make the roster or earn a starting position on the team. The ones who show they can overcome the “slings and arrows” during camp are the ones most likely to have a big impact on the field during the season.

Each day, we are involved in our own training camp with many “slings and arrows” thrown at us. We are being tested by “situations that are bad,” and have many opportunities to respond well...overcome...and prove our faith in God gives us strength.

We can’t survive the “slings and arrows” of life in our own strength, but must rely on the power God has given us. With Him, we can battle well against the various obstacles that present themselves.

When “situations that are bad” pop up, we can remember these two scriptures:

John 16:33 (AMP) says, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous ; I have overcome the world ."

Also, Ephesians 6:16 (NIV) tells us, "In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

Between temptations and life’s difficult circumstances, we can either lean on our faith in Jesus to overcome...or try to fight on our own. But deep down, we know the more effective way to survive the “slings and arrows” is to put our hope and trust in the One who has already overcome the world.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for being with me as I face tests and challenges in life. I pray I would choose to rely on Your power and strength instead of my own. I believe Jesus has already overcome the world by defeating death on the cross, and I know He can help me overcome the slings and arrows that come my way. In His name I pray, Amen.