Another NFL season kicks off tonight and the New England Patriots are the reigning champs once again.
Everyone is so used to them winning (and most are tired of it), but if you listen to any preseason predictions and analysis, they aren’t the “hot” team to talk about this year.
However, it’s still reasonable to believe they will win the AFC East again and compete in the playoffs like they do every year.
So how do they do it? How do they consistently win year after year? Don’t they have a 42-year old quarterback? Didn’t they lose star tight end Rob Gronkowski? Don’t they regularly lose assistant coaches to other teams?
One theory behind why they have so much consistent success is their "adaptability." Mike Reiss recently wrote about this on ESPN.com and it's true that the Patriots know how to play different styles depending on the matchup, the time of year, and the personnel.
They are also willing to be a ground and pound team or they’ll embrace airing it out. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have proven they can win multiple ways, and regardless of their circumstances, they figure out a way to thrive.
Reiss shares offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' quote from the Do Your Job TV special: "Tom, if he’s supposed to hand it off 37 times and win that way, then he'll do it. If we need him to throw it 52 times, then he'll do that, too. It's the same way Bill is. Bill doesn't care if we have to win 43-40 or 13-10. The willingness to be able to do that is really a special trait."
The word adaptable means “able to adjust to new conditions” or “able to be modified for a new use or purpose.” These definitions clearly describe the New England Patriots over the years and what they'll have to be this season.
I believe being adaptable translates to our own lives, as well. We know that life is constantly changing and each new season brings a different set of challenges, so we can either decide to be frustrated, stubborn, and hopeless...or “adjust to new conditions.”
As followers of Jesus, the way to be adaptable is to remain content and satisfied in Him - regardless of the season we're in.
Paul gives us a great example of this when he shares his secret in Philippians 4:11-13 (AMP): "Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
"I know how to get along and live humbly , and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret , whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens and empowers me ”
The Patriots have learned to be victorious because of their consistent adaptability. Today, regardless of our situation or season, let’s learn to be adaptable and always satisfied and content in Jesus.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to embrace changing seasons and understand that You’re using me and teaching me in different ways during each circumstance. I ask that I’d adapt and remain content and satisfied in You. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What aspects of your life do you have the hardest time adapting to?
What season are you in right now - abundance or in need?
How would being satisfied and content in Jesus help you to adapt?
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