Let God Handle That

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs has become one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL since being drafted with the 12th overall pick in 2023. 

In recent years, he has shared the backfield with David Montgomery, but now Gibbs will be the clear lead back for the Lions' potent offense with Montgomery in Houston. Gibbs is about to begin his fourth year in the league and is still on his rookie contract.

This summer, there have already been discussions about him signing an extension and a new contract with the team. It appears he wants to stay in Detroit, and the Lions want to keep him. He could become one of the highest-paid running backs in the league, but of course, negotiations are taking place.

When players find themselves in a new contract situation, it can be a distraction and consume their thoughts. It's also something the media asks them about.

However, Gibbs seems to have the right approach as he's letting his agent and Lions General Manager Brad Holmes handle his contract details. That way, he can focus on football and what he needs to do on the field.

Gibbs said, "I'm just letting my agent and Brad and all of them do all that right now. I'm just worried about the team and ball…I don't know. I don't really pay attention to all that stuff. I let my agent and Brad do all that — or whoever does it up there, I don't know. But I just let him do that, and I just be out here."

I really appreciate his mindset of controlling what he can, trusting his agent to handle what he does, and staying focused on his role as a player.

How different would our lives be if we operated with a similar approach?

As followers of Jesus, we serve a God who loves us and is working on our behalf and for our good. He knows what He's doing, so we can trust Him to do what only He can do as we focus on the role He's called us to. 

He takes care of us and provides what we need. He's the one fighting our battles, handling the outcomes, and is with us each step of the way. 

In the Old Testament, God continues to remind His people of this, and we can find peace knowing He will do the same for us.

Deuteronomy 3:22 (ESV) explains, "You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you."

Exodus 14:14 (AMP) says, "The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm."

In 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NIV), God is speaking through the prophet Jahaziel to King Jehoshaphat: “‘You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

We must also remember that Jesus has fought the ultimate battle on our behalf as He gives us victory over sin and death because He went to the cross and rose again.

He tells us "...that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33; ESV).

Instead of becoming distracted and filled with worry over our tribulation, problems, and desired outcomes, we need to surrender and trust that God is working on our behalf.

We must follow through with the charges given in these two important verses:

"...casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]" (1 Peter 5:7; AMP).

"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22; ESV).

Just as Jahmyr Gibbs has left his contract concerns to his agent and GM and said, “I let my agent and Brad do all that,” we can release our worries, burdens, and battles to God by saying, “I let God do all that” or "My God handles that." 

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I trust You with my burdens and thank You for fighting my battles. I know You are working in my circumstances on my behalf, for my good, and for Your glory. I trust You with whatever the outcome may be because I know You are with me. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.