Oklahoma football has produced the last two Heisman Trophy winners (Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray), and that trend may continue with this year’s starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Transferring to Oklahoma after three seasons at Alabama, Hurts made quite the debut on Sunday by leading the Sooners to a 49-31 win over Houston. He rushed for 176 yards and three touchdowns while completing 20 of 23 passes for 332 yards and three additional touchdowns.
Although we all know Hurts is a good player (he won SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman and his record was 26-2 as a starter), he never played that kind of dominant game until Sunday.
During his time at Alabama, he only had three games where he threw for three or more passing touchdowns and just one game where he rushed for three touchdowns. Hurts never threw for three and rushed for three touchdowns as he did in his Oklahoma debut.
With that said, I found yesterday's topic on ESPN’s, Highly Questionable, rather interesting: "Was Jalen Hurts Being Held Back by Nick Saban?”
Of course, Hurts did some great things while at Alabama, but it’s fair to wonder if he was free to be the kind of quarterback he’s capable of being.
Even though it's only been one game, Jalen Hurts clearly has the opportunity to thrive on his new team and we know that Oklahoma’s head coach, Lincoln Riley, seems to maximize the abilities of his quarterbacks.
As we ponder whether or not Hurts was held back by Saban, I want to unpack a similar question in our own lives: "Is anything holding us back from being all that we are meant to be?"
Are we allowing someone or something to hold us back from thriving, experiencing freedom, or maximizing our abilities? Are we held back because of fear and worry?
If so, Proverbs 29:25 (AMP) gives us this challenge: "The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in and puts his confidence in the Lord will be exalted and safe."
What about shame, bitterness, envy, or regret? Has someone hurt us in the past and does that pain continue to hold us back?
We can be encouraged by Matthew 6:14-15 (ESV): "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Do we have selfishness and pride that keep us from moving forward? Proverbs 29:23 (ESV) tells us, "One's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor."
Thankfully, Jesus offers us hope and freedom and provides us the power and strength to break these types of chains in our lives. His grace and forgiveness allow us to move on from whatever holds us back.
Today, let's surrender to Him and not let anything or anyone prevent us from being who God wants us to be. I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that there are things in my life holding me back from really thriving. I pray that You would free me from any pride, shame, or fear. I trust in Your power through Jesus to break any chains. In His name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is something that holds you back from really thriving?
What is something that used to hold you back that you now have found freedom?
How can we help you let go of something that is preventing you from moving forward in life?
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