The Baltimore Ravens came into the season with high expectations thanks to their history of success and key weapons on offense and defense.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is the reigning MVP, who also won the award in 2019. They have a rising star wide receiver in Zay Flowers and two dynamic tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. They also added a powerful running back in Derrick Henry.
Despite their talented team, the Ravens have started the season 0-2, losing to the Chiefs and the Raiders. The Ravens historically have relied heavily on the run game, allowing Lamar Jackson to run and incorporating multiple running backs out of the backfield. Last year, they led the league in rushing yards on their way to the playoffs.
They have run the ball consistently this season, rushing for 151 yards against the Raiders and 185 yards against the Chiefs. They are 7th in the NFL in total rushing yards with 336, yet they are 0-2.
So, will the Ravens abandon the run game and say it’s not working since they haven’t been winning yet, or will they stick with it and continue to “pound the rock?”
Head coach John Harbaugh revealed his answer (using the Panthers slogan) and perspective by saying, “We had a disappointing game yesterday, we’re not happy about it. We want to play better, we want to play winning football, we didn’t. So we’ve got to keep pounding the rock, and the rock is going to crack. That’s our job to keep pounding, not get discouraged, not think all is for nothing. Continue to work and our reward will be out there in our future.”
They choose to trust what they know to be true, which means continuing to work hard and sticking to their approach. They trust that their running game will eventually lead to wins, and there will be a reward for not giving up on it.
This approach can immensely encourage us today as we parallel the concept to our lives.
We often feel like we’re doing the right things but ask ourselves, “Where are the wins?”
Yes, there are times we need to make changes, but there are also times when we know we’re doing what we are supposed to, but the results aren’t happening. This can lead to being tempted to give up, “abandon the run game,” and say it’s not working.
However, what if the answer is what Harbaugh said, to “keep pounding,” “not get discouraged,” “not think all is for nothing,” and “trust that our reward will be out there in our future?”
As followers of Jesus, we know our reward, inheritance, and blessings are ultimately eternal. So, while we’re here on earth, we endure with obedience, faith, and hope.
Since we’ll also experience blessings on earth, when we pray and feel like we’re not getting an answer, we need to “keep pounding.”
James 5:16 (NLT) tells us, “…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
When it seems like following Jesus, obeying Him, and serving others is hard and not leading to the wins we want, let’s “not get discouraged.”
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) encourages us, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
When it appears that God isn’t showing up the way we want Him to and seems distant, and we’re questioning our faith, let’s remain faithful to Him and “not think all is for nothing.”
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) reminds us, “…without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”
Lastly, when things get tough in our daily lives, and we wonder why we “keep running the ball” and working hard at our jobs and homes, let’s not forget that “our reward will be out there in our future.”
The key is sticking to Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Today, let’s not give up even if we start the season “0-2.” Let’s “keep pounding the rock” or build our lives on “The Rock” and trust Jesus. Let’s keep doing the right things and remember that He is our ultimate reward and all we need.
I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me continue to endure and trust you. I pray that You’ll give me the strength to keep doing the right things even when I’m not experiencing the desired results. I want to draw near to You, work heartily for You, and remain faithful to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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