The NFL Draft got off to a great start last night with surprising trades and nonstop action. General managers made limitless phone calls attempting to work out critical deals…and draftees anxiously awaited to hear the life-changing ring from a team. 

These young players (either sitting in the “green room” or at home in their living room) eagerly anticipated the call from a coach or owner telling them they’ve been chosen to join their franchise.

After hearing the words, “We’re thrilled to have you join us,” the draftees undoubtedly experienced overwhelming joy and thankfulness…and quickly realized they accepted an invitation to step into a team’s plan and play a key role in what they want to accomplish.  

This scene is a wonderful illustration of what we experience as followers of Jesus. We’ve been called to join God’s plan of redemption, as well as, an invitation to experience salvation and eternity with Him.

How incredible to think He’s called us with the words, “We’re thrilled to have you join us.” Our level of excitement should show overwhelming joy and thankfulness to God for making this possible. 

He’s called us to live according to His will and to pursue a life that represents Jesus. He’s called us to love and serve, and also strive for unity with other members of His team.

In addition, God has individually assigned us a specific role to carry out what He wants to accomplish through Jesus in this world.

1 Corinthians 7:17 (ESV) tells us, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.” 

We are told in 2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT), “For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.” 

The players who were sticking by their phones during the draft made sure they heard the call from a team because they didn’t want to miss out on the life-changing words on the other line.

Today, let’s make sure we’ve accepted the call to be children of God…and be ready and open to what He’s calling us to do each day. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful that You’ve invited me to join in Your wonderful redemptive work. I pray I would live the way You’ve called me to while hearing the specific calling that You have on my life. Please help me be ready and willing to accomplish Your plan for me. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.