The Houston Texans are still alive in the playoffs after their impressive comeback win against the Bills in which they scored 19 straight points. The overtime win showcased another memorable performance by Texans' quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
ESPN.com's recent article, “Natural-Born Winner: Texans’ Deshaun Watson ‘Thrives on Pressure,’” explains the type of competitor he’s always been.
In the article, Watson's high school offensive coordinator describes him like this:
"What separates him from the other guys is in the biggest moments and the pressure moments - when has he ever wilted? Never in high school. You saw what he did against Alabama. It was the best of the best at that level.
"And then what he did ... I mean, he just thrives on pressure. Most guys can't take it or shrink away in that moment. He just thrives. And that's what he's made for.'"
His current head coach, Bill O’Brien, said this about Watson: "Anybody that's been around him for a long time, he doesn't have any fear."
Watson was a state champion in high school, won a National Championship at Clemson (after throwing the game-winning TD), and overcame an ACL injury that he suffered during his NFL rookie season. Known as a winner and overcomer, he’s at his best when the pressure heats up.
This past Saturday, Watson had the play of the day when it appeared he’d be sacked but escaped to complete a pass that went 34 yards to set up the game-winning field goal in overtime.
I’m inspired by his ability to rise to the occasion and thrive on pressure. In life, each of us experiences our own moments when the pressure intensifies.
Work gets stressful, our home life is overwhelming, and the defense is coming to take us down. So how do we handle it? Do we cave in, wilt, give up, and shrink in those moments...or do we thrive?
Most of us are likely to try and avoid pressure or stress, and we long for the day when we don’t feel either one. But, this life is a constant battle and the challenges and pressures are always going to be there.
So instead of trying to eliminate pressure, we need to learn how to effectively deal with it and understand how we can thrive in the midst of it.
Thankfully, as followers of Jesus, we have what we need to do this. God's power within us gives us peace, understanding, perspective, and strength.
We can choose to look to Him to help us through the situation, rather than focus on the pressure, stress, and overwhelming feelings the situation causes us.
Also, when temptation is heating up and the defense is caving in, He shows us a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) tells us, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
The pressure-filled moments for Deshaun Watson bring out his best, reveal his character, and give him a chance to shine. As an alternative to being filled with fear, what if we embraced our own pressure-filled moments as great opportunities to trust God?
James 1:12 (AMP) says, “Blessed is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted…”
The writer of Psalm 118:5-6 (ESV) declares, "Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that I allow the pressures of life to get the best of me and I pray that You would change my perspective. Help me to rely on You to get me through the challenges instead of allowing the stress to bring me down. I pray You would help me thrive on pressure and provide the strength I need. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is causing you to feel stressed or overwhelmed right now?
How do you handle life's pressures?
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