The play of the day and what might turn out to be the play of the year happened with 11 seconds left in the game when the Cardinals were losing 26-30 to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
Needing a touchdown to win, Arizona’s quarterback Kyler Murray rolled left and threw a hail marry 48+ yards down the field and in the middle of three defenders. Wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, caught the pass for a touchdown and the win!
So many elements of this play had to go right and fall into place for the Cardinals to convert such a remarkable and rare game-winning touchdown. Murray had to first avoid one Bills' defender by running past him and then had to throw the ball just before the rest of the defense caved in on him.
Meanwhile, Hopkins had to wait for the ball to be thrown and prepare to receive it and then jump high enough, grab the ball, and hang onto it on his way down to the ground.
Ultimately though, the key to that play working the way it did was its "perfect" timing.
Murray waited long enough for Hopkins to make it downfield but threw it quick enough before more defenders swarmed in on Hopkins.
Hopkins had to know when to jump because if he left his feet too early he wouldn’t have been at peak height when the ball arrived. If he waited too late to extend his arms, the defenders most likely would have knocked it down.
Amazingly, the ball arrived on time and Hopkins jumped in the right place at the right time!
When watching, I jumped out of my seat! I know Bills fans are disappointed, but seeing a game end with such an incredible pass and catch was thrilling.
As we reflect on this play and specifically the perfect timing of how it came together, I’m reminded of how in our own lives, the best timing is God’s timing.
Day to day, the key for us to trust in His timing is a willingness to be patient and relying on Him to know when to “jump.”
In Psalm 32:8 (NLT), “The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'”
Oftentimes, we are so eager for something to happen that we don’t wait on the Lord and jump too early instead of being at the peak position to receive what God has for us.
Other times, we let fear cripple us and wait too long to jump causing opportunities to slip through our hands.
However, when we're in sync with God’s voice and are trusting His direction for our lives, we’ll know when it’s time to “leave our feet and extend our arms.” At that point, it won’t matter if there are “three defenders” around us because God’s timing is perfect and we’ll rise above to receive the “pass” we were waiting for.
Sometimes we get anxious when the clock is ticking, but just like the play we saw yesterday, the timing can prove to be perfect. God might answer prayer or deliver on a promise when time appears to be running out, but He’s always right on time and just in time.
Lamentations 3:25 (AMP) says, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, To those who seek Him ."
Psalm 18:30 (NIV) tells us, “As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s Word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.” Today, let's trust that God's timing is best as we wait patiently for Him to move. When seeking and following Him, we'll know exactly when it's time to jump...and receive His blessings that lead to victories! I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I'd remain patient and trust Your perfect timing. I know You can deliver and come through in ways that seem impossible to me. You are good and powerful and I thank you for directing my steps and telling me when to jump. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is your personal experience with God showing you that His timing is perfect?
What is something you're waiting for right now and you're trusting Him to tell you when to jump?
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