Quarterback, Malik Willis, played his college football at Liberty before being drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. To many, it was surprising that he fell to the third round, but he ended up in a situation with opportunity. Unfortunately, when he made it on the field last year, he wasn’t very comfortable. He played in eight games including three starts, rushing for 123 yards and a touchdown, but only threw for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. Now, heading into his second season, Willis is competing with the veteran and expected starter, Ryan Tannehill, along with newly drafted Will Levis, who the Titans took in the second round. Seeing how this quarterback battle plays out and how the team decides to move forward with these three players will be interesting to monitor during training camp. Even though Willis could choose to dwell on how poorly he played last year, be upset about the team drafting Levis, and worry about his future with the team, that doesn’t appear to be his approach. Instead, he recently made this comment: “I am just focusing on what I can control. I have just been trying to take it one play at a time, and one day at a time. …And that’s just my main focus, understanding each play is not going to be great, but make the best of it what you can, and learn from it what you can.” Ultimately, Willis can’t control how well the other two guys play and whether or not he or they get injured, or how the coaches decide to design their offense, so he's making the right choice to focus on what he can control. Often, you and I have to make a similar choice because so many things in life are out of our control. Whether it’s a job situation, the choices our kids make, health issues, car accidents, or countless other challenges we regularly face, we're reminded we can’t control everything or everyone…as much as we try to! As followers of Jesus, we know that God is ultimately in control and we surrender to His will and purposes. Along with that posture, we too must “focus on what I can control” and like Willis said, “take it one play at a time, and one day at a time.” We continue to go to God’s Word to help us understand what we do have control over as we align ourselves with His will and submit to His plan one day at a time. So what can we control? There are many things as we live by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, but we’ll focus on four of them today. First of all, we can choose to trust God. Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP) tells us, “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth .” Secondly, we're able to commit whatever we're doing to the Lord and respond by following His guidance. Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) says, “Commit your works to the Lord , And your plans will succeed .” Thirdly, with a heart that's been changed by Jesus, we can control our gratitude and thankfulness. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) implores us to “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Lastly, with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can choose to humble ourselves. James 4:10 (AMP) gives us this command: “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you .” Additionally, Psalm 25:9 (ESV) explains, “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.” Although we may want to do something about how poorly we “played” last year, or change many of the things not going our way at the moment, or desire full control of what happens in our future, what we can do is “focus on what I can control.” Rather than be discouraged, frustrated, and worried by the things that are out of our control, let’s experience peace and joy as we focus on controlling our trust, gratitude, humility, and willingness to commit everything to God. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I desire to have more control of what happens in life, but I know so much is out of my hands. Please help me to trust You and be able to understand that it’s okay because You are in control. I pray You’d strengthen me as I choose thankfulness and humility and commit everything I do to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What life challenges are out of your control right now?
2. In what ways can you control your trust, thankfulness, humility, and willingness to commit everything to God?
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