Perspective During the NFL Draft

Anticipation for next week's NFL Draft is building as we look forward to the excitement of NFL prospects experiencing their dreams coming true while our favorite teams make decisions on players that will alter their franchise's future.

Draft analysts, general managers, coaches, and scouts will inevitably differ in how they view particular players.

One GM might think a player is great, while another GM doesn't believe he'll become a top NFL player, so he passes on him. Each sees a specific player and assesses their value differently, and their selections reflect that.

As a result, some draft picks are expected to be taken early but will end up sliding out of the first round. Similarly, people will be surprised when a team reaches for a player that others ranked much lower.

Decisions will be made for each pick based on a team's perspective of a player's character and abilities. Some teams focus more on the intangibles, while others emphasize the scouting combine measurements.

Eventually, when a team is "on the clock," they have to consider if the player is worth a high draft pick based on what they saw him do previously. Once they realize he is the best choice, they will call him with excitement!

Teams most likely have to ask themselves these questions during the draft:

• Do we have faith that he can deliver on the promises he told us during our interviews with him?

  
  

• How confident are we in this player that he can change our team?

  
  

• Do we trust he's capable of exceeding expectations?

  
  

• Do we think this player's game will be the same in the NFL?

As the answers to these questions determine how the NFL Draft will turn out, I want to unpack how our answers to similar questions affect the decisions we make in life.

The truth is that our life reflects our view and perspective of God. If we truly understand His character and recognize His powerful abilities, we'll follow Him. If we value who God is and what He's done to save us, then we know it's worth it to "select" Him and live for Him.

However, it's fascinating how people can have many different perspectives and viewpoints of God. Just like the NFL Draft, and the GMs who have the wrong perspective on a player will miss out on the blessing of having him on their team, we miss out when we don't see God the right way or overlook His greatness.

So, the questions we have to ask ourselves throughout our faith journey are these:

• Do we believe that God is who He says He is and will deliver on the promises He tells us in His Word?

  
  

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP) says, "But without faith, it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him."

• How confident are we in God and His power to change our lives?

  
  

Psalm 57:7 (NLT) proclaims, "My heart is confident in You, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing Your praises!"

• Do we trust He's capable of exceeding expectations?

  
  

Ephesians 3:20 (AMP) explains, "Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us…"

• Do we think Jesus is the same as He's always been?

  
  

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) affirms, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Ultimately, how we see God and what we think about Jesus will determine whether or not we choose Him and His ways every time we're "on the clock." Our perspective of God affects how we pray and worship, as well as our motives and approach to life.

Thankfully, God has made a way for us to know Him personally through Jesus, and He reveals His character to us and demonstrates His power in our lives. We must open our eyes to realize He's always the best choice and call on Him with excitement!

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see You for who You are. I pray I will understand Your greatness, power, and love properly. I pray I will think about Your grace the right way and have the correct view of how You're changing me. Teach me to have a confident heart and faith in Your promises, and to trust that You are always the same and capable of doing superabundantly more than I could ever think or imagine. To You be all the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.