Stay Ready

The NFL season has gotten off to a tremendous start through three weeks with so many competitive games, surprising wins, and wild finishes. 

Unfortunately, injuries are starting to pile up, affecting every team and every position, especially for quarterbacks, with a handful of guys already going down. As a result, many backup QBs have the chance to enter the lineup.

Yesterday, Giants QB Jameis Winston started in place of Jaxon Dart, who is out for the year with a knee injury, and the Giants were able to beat the Titans. Dart was injured last week early in the game, and Jameis had to come in right away.

The Commanders were hoping to recapture their winning ways this season with QB Jayden Daniels, but he hurt his elbow in week 2, and backup QB Marcus Mariotta took over. He got the start yesterday in week 3 and helped the Commanders upset the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks by throwing 3 touchdowns. I was actually at the game to witness this impressive and surprising win in front of the home crowd!

Vikings backup QB Carson Wentz filled in for a couple of weeks while Kyler Murarry was healing up from a concussion before he returned yesterday. Down in Atlanta, backup Cooper Rush surprisingly stepped in as the starter while Michael Pennix and Tua Tagovailoa were both injured the first two weeks, but Pennix is now healthy.

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold was injured in week 1, and Drew Lock filled in nicely for him before Darnold returned yesterday. Lock has to go back to staying ready if he’s needed again.

Yesterday, Baker Mayfield went down with a dislocated thumb, and rookie undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels was thrown into the game. It appears he’ll be the starter while Mayfield heals.

Tonight, the Bears are without their star quarterback Caleb Williams, and third-string Case Keenum is getting his chance to get back on the field for the first time in years.

The sports cliché or theme that sums up what’s been going on this season is “next man up.” Everyone has to stay ready and be prepared to play at any time. They shouldn’t be surprised or caught off guard, but rather, anticipate their name being called at any moment.

The reality is, once a player goes down with an injury during a game, another player has to grab his helmet and go onto the field immediately. Each player has to have the “next man up” and “stay ready” mentality and must fully embrace his opportunity whenever it presents itself.

In sports, backup players have to learn not to be discouraged that they aren’t already out there. Instead, they must set themselves up to succeed once they’re called upon.

Many backups become future starters because when they were eventually given the opportunity as the “next man up,” they were equipped and prepared to handle it.

We can implement the “next man up” mentality in our own lives by always “staying ready” for when God calls upon us to take action, step up, and fill in.

When we’re waiting for our chance or praying for God to open a door in different areas of our lives, we shouldn’t be discouraged or spend time complaining.

Instead, we ought to use that time to get equipped and prepared while staying ready for the signal that it’s our time, so we can jump in as the “next man up.”

Just like backups who wait, practice hard, study the playbook, and listen to their coaches while developing and preparing, as followers of Jesus, we pray, study God’s Word, remain thankful, and seek wisdom.

1 Peter 1:13 (NLT) says, “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”

Colossians 4:2 (AMP) tells us to “Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

Lastly, as we look for opportunities to serve God, point others to Jesus, and share our faith, we must prepare and be ready.

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV) explains, “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as Holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

As we watch an NFL season where players keep stepping up when called upon, let’s be encouraged to become reliable, equipped, and eager to answer God’s call when He tells us it’s time to get out there.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I don’t like to wait, but as I do, please help me be equipped and ready for when the time is right. Prepare my mind and heart to serve You and be used by You for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.