The NFL running back position has gone through many changes over the years – especially with how teams approach utilizing them in their offense.

Some teams prefer to have a running back by committee approach where they spread the ball around. With teams becoming more and more “pass-happy,” they are looking for running backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield.

This leads to some teams having to use multiple backs with one specializing in running the ball on early downs and another coming in on passing downs.

However, teams like the Giants and Panthers who have star running backs like Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey, can remain on the field for every down. These running backs can be fully relied on and do whatever their team asks of them.

Currently, there are only a few running backs in the league that can be counted on to run the ball during early downs and become a threat in the passing game on third down.

The top running backs in the league (and Fantasy Football) are the bell cow running backs who can handle any situation and remain in the game. Whether it’s the red zone, 3rd and short, or 3rd and long, it’s valuable to have a running back to lean on (regardless of the scenario the offense faces) because he’s willing to carry the load.

This concept of a team having a running back who is ready, equipped, and able to be the guy no matter the situation is a perspective we can identify with as followers of Jesus.

In our journey of life, we will go through many trying and challenging situations. Thankfully, we have a “guy” we can trust and depend on…no matter what. He’s always willing to carry the load.

Whether we feel like we’re in the red zone or find ourselves up against a difficult third and long, we can continue to turn to Jesus. Instead of sticking with Him every once in a while, we can lean on Him on every “down.”

Jesus is inviting us to be with Him always. There’s no need to look to the sideline for someone else to replace Him.

He tells us in John 15:4-5 (NLT), “’Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.’”

Jesus goes on to explain in John 15:7 (AMP), “‘If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.'”

Today, let’s find tremendous joy, peace, and comfort in knowing we can fully rely on Jesus to remain in us as we remain in Him. There will never be another substitute worthy enough, so let’s stick with Him on “every down!”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for sending Jesus to be my Savior. Please help me to abide in Him and produce great fruit. I’m thankful to know He’s worthy to trust and rely on in any and every situation. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.