At this point in the NFL season, it’s easy to be impressed with how well the Seahawks, Ravens, and Saints are playing. They have elite talent on both sides of the ball with reliable quarterbacks and potent rushing attacks.

But instead of putting the spotlight on these top teams, I’d rather unpack two teams that have surprised, overachieved, and played extremely hard – despite their challenging circumstances.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a big win and are in playoff contention with their 7-5 record. What makes this season so remarkable is the fact they are winning games, even after losing Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell, and missing Ben Roethlisberger due to an injury.

Then the three players who replaced those guys (James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mason Rudolph) didn’t play this past Sunday and Pittsburgh still won.

We also have the Miami Dolphins who traded away all of their good players. Remember how they have a team filled with castoffs and young unproven players…and based on their roster, they shouldn’t win a game?

Well, on Sunday, they beat the Philadelphia Eagles who are fighting for the playoffs, and earlier this year knocked off the Jets, as well as, the Colts.

I truly admire how well the Dolphins and Steelers have played this year and it’s a testament to great coaching and players willing to do the most they can with what they have.

Instead of giving up on the season because they don’t have as much talent as other teams, they’ve been giving all they have out on the field.

Character, passion, and heart matter in football and, of course, they matter in life too.

However, would we say that we’re giving all we can in life…or are we holding back, giving up, or making excuses when it comes to doing the most we can with what we have? Are we maximizing the time, money, and talents we’ve been entrusted with?

When considering the answers to these questions, it comes down to our hearts and attitude. If Jesus has changed our lives and we truly understand what He’s done for us, then we’ll want to give all we have back to Him.

We don’t want to just give our leftovers, but rather our very best. Even if we don’t have as much talent or money as someone else, what matters is whether or not we’re willing to give all we have.

The parable of the generous widow, found in Mark 12:41-44 (NLT), is a convicting and inspiring passage:

“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

“Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, ‘I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.’”

Today, let’s remember that it’s not about how much we have to give…but giving what we do have! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I would be a giver and not hold back. I pray I’d give my all and be generous with what I have. I know that everything comes from You, so I pray I’d be a good steward. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS: