Heading into Week 6 of the NFL season, it's crazy how we're already changing our minds about certain players and teams based on recent struggles. We sure have been quick to move on from the following general opinions and thoughts we had right before the season began:
Lamar Jackson is unstoppable and the most dynamic quarterback in the league.
The Chiefs are going to roll through the season and are too talented to lose.
When Carson Wentz is healthy, he can be one of the best QBs in the league.
Drew Brees is still one of the best QBs and will lead the Saints back to the playoffs.
As NFL fans, it doesn't take long to start raising questions and asking, "What have you done for me lately?" How soon we forget how incredible Lamar Jackson was last year and we start to doubt he's able to get back to that level again as a dual-threat QB.
As loaded as the Chiefs still are, we have concerns after their loss to the Raiders. Carson Wentz has shown what he's capable of in the past, but this year the Eagles fans are filled with doubts about him as their franchise QB.
With the Saints squeaking out wins and Brees not throwing the ball like he used to, fans are wondering if it's time for the Saints to go a different direction and give up on the legendary QB.
Not only do we focus on current struggles to draw conclusions in football, but we do this in our own lives as well.
How easily do we forget God’s goodness and faithfulness when we have a bad week or a season doesn't go as we planned? When things go wrong and we face a few losses, we can quickly be filled with worry and doubt - despite knowing how God incredibly came through for us in the past.
Instead of focusing on all that God has previously done for us, in the middle of a tough time, we pridefully ask, "What have You done for me lately?" Our praise seems to quickly vanish the first sign of trouble.
How foolish can we be to forget who God is, how much He loves us, and what He promises us? He has given us Jesus and so much more than we deserve, yet we lose sight of this when dwelling too much on our current problems and our most recent setback.
Alternatively, when problems arise, we need to cling to God’s repeated faithfulness over the years and look back in remembrance of His greatness even when life was hard.
Peter writes in 2 Peter chapter 1 about growing in faith, paying attention to Scripture, what God has given us, and His many promises.
Verses 12-13 (NLT) say, “Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught. And it is only right that I should keep on reminding you as long as I live.”
We must remember the truth of the Scripture and the character of God, so we don’t let disappointment from our current season take over. When we rejoice because of what we’ve already received, we can wait with hope for what we’ll experience next.
Today, let’s be encouraged by these uplifting words from Psalm 103:2-5 (NLT): “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things…”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for forgetting how amazing Your love and faithfulness truly are. I’m grateful for all You’ve done for me and continue to do. You are great and powerful. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are some ways God has been faithful in the past that you can constantly go back to when life gets tough?
Is there anything going on in your life right now that is causing you to doubt and question God's goodness?
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