Every week in the NFL, many games come down to the final moments or the last drive, and often, the difference between a win and a loss is slight. Although there are many factors throughout any game, we can usually point to something specific that makes a difference. So, what were the differences between the teams that won and lost this past weekend?
The Bengals beat the Bills 24-18; the difference was in turnovers. The Bills had a lost fumble and an interception, while the Bengals had zero turnovers.
Turnovers also made the difference in the Saints and Bears game, as Chicago turned the ball over five times, and the Saints didn't at all. It was a 24-17 win for New Orleans.
The difference in the Cowboys and Eagles game was the Cowboys' inability to execute a winning play for a touchdown on their final drive, losing 23-28. Conversely, the Eagles' defense showed they could stand firm on the pivotal drive.
The Bucs and Texans game went back and forth and could have gone either way, but Houston's quarterback, CJ Stroud, was the difference. He put on an incredible performance as he went 30/42 passing for 470 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.
Joshua Dobbs was the difference in the Vikings vs. Falcons game as Minnesota's new quarterback came in and made plays on the ground and through the air, leading his team to a 31-28 win. Dobbs and the Vikings also showed an ability to overcome the countless injuries they continue to deal with as a team.
In general, the difference between the teams that win and lose comes down to which one overcomes injuries, protects and guards their quarterback, has fewer turnovers, and which team’s defense holds strong during their opponent’s pivotal drives.
The consistently great teams are the ones that understand these things make a difference and execute what is necessary to separate themselves to win. When making a parallel to our own lives, we must understand what leads to being consistently great and allows us to execute living a different life and set it apart from how the world operates. As followers of Jesus, the difference is that we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us, enabling us to have the strength and wisdom we need to live differently. Paul writes in Galatians 5:16 (AMP), “…walk habitually in the Spirit , and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature .” There is a clear difference in our lives when we yield to the Holy Spirit, submit to God, and follow Jesus. James 4:7 (ESV) tells us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”Jesus says in John 8:12 (NLT), “’I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” Knowing and following Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit is what makes the difference in our lives as He helps us overcome “injuries,” guard our hearts, have fewer “turnovers,” and have a defense that stands firm against the opponent’s “pivotal drives.” There's a clear difference between following Jesus and following the ways of the world, so let’s praise Him that in Him and because of Him, we win. The difference that He makes in our lives is immense, and we stand out because we have peace, joy, and hope while the world is losing with worry, fear, and distractions. Today, let’s be encouraged by the words of Paul in Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT): “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Let’s also pray Psalm 119:37 (AMP), “Turn my eyes away from vanity, And restore me in Your ways.” I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I praise You for my life being different. Please help me yield to the Holy Spirit and tap into the power available. I pray I’ll continue to submit to You and Your leading so I can be different than the world around me. Thank you for allowing me to be Holy and set apart because of Christ in me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. In what ways is your life different because you follow Jesus? 2. In what ways do you need to yield to the Holy Spirit to help you be different from the world?
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