Returning to the Field

We are eight weeks into the NFL season, and it's been full of tremendous games and fascinating storylines so far.

Unfortunately, we can't talk about this season without mentioning all the injuries.

Many key players have gone down, and some teams have been especially hurt. Several injuries have ended seasons, and those players will be recovering until next season.

At the same time, several star players were hurt earlier in the year but have now returned to the field.

The Chicago Bears hated seeing their franchise quarterback Caleb Williams get carted off and miss three games, but he returned in week six, and now the team has won three straight. 

They've averaged 31.7 points since his return, and after Monday night's huge win against Seattle, they are proving to be one of the league's best teams.

Baker Mayfield dislocated his throwing thumb earlier this season, but since returning in week 7, the Bucs have won their last two games against divisional opponents.

Other players across the league who were injured but have since returned also include Nico Collins in Houston, Jayden Daniels with the Commanders, and Rashee Rice in Kansas City. Those teams are thrilled to have them back on the field as they are integral to their team's offenses.

Another way we have seen this concept of "returning" this season is several teams that started the year playing inconsistently or not playing the way we know they are capable of, but have since returned to winning football. 

The Broncos and Steelers each started 2-2, but they both have won four straight games, showing why they are top teams in the AFC.

The Lions had some tough losses early, but after being 2-2, they have won three straight games and just handed the Vikings their first loss of the season.

The Bengals have returned to their winning ways after a disappointing regular season last year with Joe Burrow's injury and have put together three straight wins with Burrow healthy and leading the way.

As fans, it's great to see top players return to the lineup and teams return to playing at their best, and likewise, returning can be critical in our own lives. Sometimes we allow sin and disobedience to cause us to turn our back on God, walk away from His path, and pursue our own desires.

When this happens, we must return to Him. Lamentations 3:40 (AMP) challenges us: "Let us test and examine our ways, and let us return to the Lord."

When we get "injured" or become inconsistent, busy, distracted, or on a "losing streak," we must return to church, fellowship, worship, prayer, and obedience so our gratitude, joy, peace, and love for God return. 

The Old Testament is filled with God's people being called to repent and return to Him. A conversation between the prophet Jeremiah and God is found in Jeremiah 15:19 (NLT).

It says, "This is how the Lord responds: 'If you return to Me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve Me…'"

Hosea 12:6 (AMP) tells us, "Therefore, return [in repentance] to your God, observe and highly regard kindness and justice, and wait [expectantly] for your God continually."

The people of Israel are told in 2 Chronicles 30:9 (NIV), "If you return to the Lord, then your fellow Israelites and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will return to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him."

Today, in whatever ways we need to return to God and His “winning ways,” let's do it. Let's continue to walk closely with Him, not turning our backs on Him, and remembering what He's done for us: 

"'He Himself bore our sins' in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by His wounds, you have been healed.' For 'you were like sheep going astray,' but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:24-25; NIV).

Let's remain "on the field" with our Shepherd, and if we go astray, let's embrace His grace and compassion and return to the One who enables us and shows us how to become all we're capable of being.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've gone astray. Thank you for always welcoming me back with grace and compassion. Please help me examine my ways so I can repent, and thank you for restoring me and allowing me to return to You. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.