It’s the NFL offseason and free agent deals are already being discussed and some have been agreed to. The New Orleans Saints have come to terms with former Raiders quarterback, Derek Carr, on a deal worth $150 million over four years. The Saints really want him as their starting quarterback and are willing to pay the price. Fans and media members have mixed feelings about Carr and whether or not he's valuable enough to invest that kind of money. His career record with the Raiders is 63-79 and was 0-1 in his lone playoff game as a starter. The Saints still consider him valuable and have determined he's worth it. Meanwhile, the New York Giants locked up their quarterback by keeping Daniel Jones on their team with a four-year contract worth $160 million. He's another quarterback who many fans and media members have questions about, but the Giants see his value even if others don’t. They aren’t willing to let him go, so they paid the necessary price for him. As sports fans, we love breaking down these deals and sharing our opinions on which players are valuable and which ones don’t deserve a big contract, but ultimately it’s the team that pays the high price and shows how much a player is worth to them. With that in mind, I want to unpack the reality that our loving heavenly Father considers us valuable. Yes, we have a “losing record,” but the God of the universe values us so much He made a way for us to be saved from our sins by sending His son Jesus. We are told in Ephesians 2:4-7 (NLT), “But God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) "For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” We are by no means a “perfect quarterback,” yet in His kindness and mercy, He showed us how valuable we are to Him. 1 Corinthians 6:20 (AMP) says, “You were bought with a price . So then, honor and glorify God with your body.” There are times when people criticize us and don’t think we’re of much value. There are also days when we feel worthless. Ultimately, we can’t buy those lies and must remember that God demonstrated that we matter enough for Him to allow His son to lay down His life for us. He determined we were worth it and was willing to pay the necessary price for us. 1 Corinthians 7:23 (NLT) tells us, “God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world.” The truth of God’s redemptive plan and how Jesus gave up His life for us should lead us to have peace and an understanding that we truly are valuable to Him. Matthew 10:31 (TLB) encourages us, “So don’t worry! You are more valuable to Him than many sparrows.” He loves us, cares about us, wants us to be with Him, and provides for us. Romans 8:32 (ESV) says, “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” Let’s not allow anything or anyone to make us feel worthless. Our God considers us so valuable that He’s given us way more than we could ever deserve. Today, let’s agree to what He’s offering us and receive Him in humility and gratitude. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I can’t thank You enough for loving me and valuing me despite my shortcomings. I want to rest in that truth and find peace in the reality that You paid the ultimate price for me. Help me to respond in humility, gratitude, and a heart that is committed to You. You are so good and so kind to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. What causes you to feel worthless at times?
2. How does understanding how valuable you are to God change your perspective?
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