NFL free agency has been wild so far with fans reacting to every trade, signing, or release their favorite team is making. While some teams’ moves appear positive and have fans hopeful for success this upcoming season, the choices being made by other teams are causing negative responses from fan bases. Yesterday, while catching up with a friend of mine who is a Bills fan, he mentioned how he was talking to our other friend who is a Bengals fan, and the two of them were agreeing and commiserating that their team’s “Super Bowl window” has closed. I understand where they are coming from when considering both teams weren’t able to take advantage of their opportunities in the playoffs in recent years. Now, key players on both teams who previously contributed to the “Super Bowl window” being open, have been traded or released or not re-signed. This leads to the Bengals' and Bills' fans being filled with regret and disappointment that their teams blew their “window of opportunity,” leaving them with little hope, frustration, and even shame. Meanwhile, my fellow Panthers fans witnessed star pass rusher, Brian Burns get traded to the Giants for a second and fifth-round pick. This outraged many fans because the Panthers reportedly had an offer from the Rams before the 2022 trade deadline that included multiple first-round picks. Since the Panthers weren’t able to capitalize on the “window of opportunity” for a more beneficial trade, fans are left with regret, disappointment, frustration, and even shame. I understand the sentiments from all three of these fan bases, but I also am reminded that the Bengals and Bills can have hope because their quarterbacks are still Joe Burrow and Josh Allen, while the Panthers can be optimistic with a new head coach and GM. We have to look ahead, not back! When it comes to our own lives, we understand the importance of making the most of every opportunity and taking advantage of the “Super Bowl windows” we’ve been given. However, the reality is, like NFL teams, we blow it and miss the mark. This causes us to reflect on our lives and past situations when we didn’t capitalize on the “window of opportunity,” and left us with regret, disappointment, frustration, and even shame. We think about what could have been and what we should have done differently. I understand the sentiments, but I’m also reminded of the hope, grace, love, salvation, and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (AMP) says, “For sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow produces death.” Yes, we can acknowledge the mistakes and missed opportunities that we had in the past and repent, but there is always a “window of opportunity” in front of us as we follow Jesus. Every day we have a fresh chance to become more like Jesus, deepen our faith, share the gospel, serve others, and live out the purposes God designed us for. Plus, we have the hope of our salvation and eternity with Jesus. Romans 5:5 (NLT) tells us, “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” We can’t keep dwelling on the past or give up and think it's over. We can’t buy the lies that we messed up too bad for God to love us and use us in impactful ways...or think that our “Super Bowl window” has closed. Today, let’s be encouraged to move forward with hope and look for all the new open windows and doors in front of us that God is leading us through. Let’s rest in the finished work of Christ and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit as we make the most of the next season and walk confidently in the plans God has prepared for us today. I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for not taking full advantage of certain opportunities in the past, but I thank you for Your grace and love. Help me not to live with shame and regret, but rather hope and confidence as I follow You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Comments