The Clemson Tigers remain undefeated and ranked 4th in the country after beating Syracuse in a tight game (27-23) on Saturday.
Last season Syracuse upset Clemson, so when newly named starting QB, Trevor Lawrence, went out after a hit to the head in the second quarter, the game seemed to be moving in that same direction.
However, on Clemson’s final drive, backup QB, Chase Brice, put together an amazing drive that resulted in a touchdown giving Clemson the 27-23 lead.
Syracuse still had one last chance with under a minute to play in the game, but Clemson’s defense stepped up.
Almost untouched, Clemson’s Xavier Thomas blitzed past the offensive line totally surprising Syracuse QB, Eric Dungey, with a huge blindside hit. The forceful sack helped secure the dramatic win while Clemson’s home crowd erupted in excitement.
When I watched the play live, what stood out to me was how unaware Dungey was of the defender heading his way. Because Dungey wasn’t alert to see what was happening, he got absolutely crushed by Thomas.
It’s so critical for a quarterback to look around while in the pocket, read the blitz, and have a sense of where the defense is coming from. Dungey was completely caught off guard and took a nasty unexpected hit.
In our own lives, staying alert and being aware of our surroundings is also paramount. As they say in football, “head on a swivel” or “keep your feet moving.”
We must always be looking out for three different things:
- How is God trying to get our attention?
- What are the needs that surround us?
- Where is temptation coming from?
As we “stand in the pocket” and stay aware of our circumstances, 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) warns us to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Mark 14:38 (ESV) encourages us to “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
We don’t want to get blindsided and sacked by the enemy, so we must have an insightful sense of where his attacks are coming from.
In order to be used by God and serve others, we must continuously keep our eyes open and stay aware of what’s happening around us.
If we want God’s Spirit to lead us in another direction so we can avoid trouble, discernment can be found by practicing Ephesians 6:18 (NLT):
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
Today, let’s be mindful of the world around us so we don’t get caught off guard by a “nasty hit.” Let’s ask God to constantly make us alert and aware.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be aware of my surroundings and more in tune with Your warnings. Please give me the strength I need to leave situations where I am faced with temptation. Thank you for Your strength. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
