As sports fans, we love to question coaches, general managers, owners, and players. We think we know what trades and free agents a GM should pursue and that our decisions would be better than theirs.

Interestingly, when looking back at the way the two Super Bowl teams’ rosters were built, and the moves the Bucs and Chiefs made along the way, these are a few common responses made by fans who second-guessed, questioned, and criticized their decisions initially:

“Chiefs, why are you trading up to draft some Texas Tech quarterback named Patrick Mahomes – especially when you already have Alex Smith?”

“Chiefs, why would you draft an offensive lineman first overall?”

“Chiefs, you’re making a mistake drafting Tyreek Hill…oh come on, don’t trade for Frank Clark – they have too much baggage.”

“Bucs, don’t sign Antonio Brown or Leonard Fournette – it’s too risky for the locker room chemistry!”

“Bruce Arians isn’t a great coach – why would you bring him out of retirement?”

“Tom Brady at this point in his career won’t help Tampa Bay win enough – he’s too old.”

But when we re-examine the different roster moves (in light of both teams heading to the Super Bowl), we realize that each one was actually crucial to their success.

Admittedly, as fans, we didn’t have all the answers and should have trusted the decision-makers more than we did. We are left saying, “Ohhh, you knew best…You were right!”

Unfortunately, our questioning, second-guessing, and criticizing extends beyond sports. We often question God when our life isn’t coming together the way we think it should. Based on our (limited) understanding and in our weakness, we end up asking these kinds of questions:

“Why won’t God eliminate the coronavirus today?”

“Why won’t God help me get that job?”

“Why won’t God let us be pregnant?”

“Why is God being silent?”

“Why would He want to use me – I’m too old?”

“God shouldn’t want me on His team, I have too much baggage.”

We all have those seasons and moments of doubt and questioning, but amazingly, we can look back and see how all the pieces ultimately fit together according to God’s perfect plan and timing.

We can trust He always makes the right moves and even when something doesn’t make sense to us, we know that He loves us and knows what He’s doing.

Thankfully, in moments when we’re tempted to criticize the God of the universe for not doing what we think He should do and when He should do it, we can lean on these comforting words found in Isaiah 55: 8-9 ESV):

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

Another reassuring perspective is found in this response from God when He challenges and answers Job by saying, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much” (Job 38:2-4; NLT).

Instead of questioning God for not making the moves we think He should make, what if today we fully trusted Him and remembered His faithfulness, power, sovereignty, and goodness?

After all, before we know it, we’ll once again be looking back and saying, “Ohhh, You knew best…You were right!”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You are supreme, boundless, and unfailing. In my weakness, I question and doubt what You’re doing, but I pray You would remind me of Your power and goodness and give me the peace I need as I trust You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

1. What are the biggest questions and concerns you’re wrestling with today?

2. How does our view of God affect the type of questions we ask?