We haven't yet reached Week 1 of the regular season, and the injury bug is already running rampant through Cincinnati. Star wideout, A.J. Green, is expected to miss several games recovering from an ankle surgery; first-round pick, Jonah Williams, is likely to miss the entire season after undergoing left shoulder surgery; and cornerback, Darqueze Dennard, is still recovering from his knee scope surgery. From 2012-2019, eight of the nine players drafted by the Bengals in the first round have experienced significant injury issues. Combine this with one of the least experienced coaching staffs in the NFL (under first-time head coach Zac Taylor), and finding a winning formula becomes increasingly difficult. The Cincinnati Bengals seem unable to catch a break and will have to embrace more of the same frustration of recent years. In a similar fashion, there are plenty of us who experience seasons where everything seems to go wrong. We see people around us having things go their way while we can’t seem to catch a break. Frustration ensues and we don’t know what to do. In such circumstances, we’re often reminded that we are not in control, which should lead to a posture of humility and trust in God because He is in control. Proverbs 3:5 is an extremely popular verse, and jam-packed with this truth: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (NKJV). In seasons where everything seems to go wrong, they are still seasons that God remains in control. Knowing God is actively directing our steps for His glory and for our good as we submit to Him, should bring us incredible comfort. God doesn't disappear when we perceive everything is going wrong, but instead, He directs our path. How gracious and comforting to know that in the good and the bad, our path is directed by the God of this universe. Today, let's joyfully submit to God’s directed steps for us! I’m Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Lord, You are incredibly gracious to be actively involved in my life, directing my steps for Your glory and my good. In seasons where everything seems to be going wrong, let me rest knowing that I can submit to the steps you are actively directing. You are not far off, but present and moving amidst tough seasons of life. Thank you for Your goodness, grace, and mercy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Have you had a season of life where everything seemed to go wrong? What happened? Can you look back and see the ways in which God actively directed your steps for good?
In tough seasons, do you run to something or someone instead of the comfort of God’s active direction and presence?
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