The Tennessee Titans pulled out an important win yesterday, as they survived a late surge by the Cincinnati Bengals. After a couple of costly turnovers allowed the Bengals back in the game, the Titans responded with a 12-play 73-yard touchdown drive to give them a 24-20 victory at home.

They improved to a 6-3 record on the season, and have now won four straight games. The Titans are for real this year, and there is no question they must keep pulling out wins like yesterday’s in order to clinch their division and make the playoffs.

Tight end Delanie Walker said, “I think I said this before, we are never going to give up. We are always going to keep fighting and that’s the difference from years before. They didn’t have the fight. Now, we have that fight.”

Titans Head Coach, Mike Mularkey, put it this way: “I know I use the word resilient a lot, but that’s, I think, the makeup of this team. It’s amazing that they believe in themselves and they just know we always have a chance to win. That’s important in this business.”

When you hear coaches or players talk about continuing to fight or always believing they have a chance to win, it may sound cliche, but there is no denying the truth that successful teams demonstrate that type of mentality. Plenty of teams have good players, but the winners separate themselves by remaining resilient regardless of their circumstances.

Just like it’s non-negotiable for a top team to be resilient when we follow Jesus, we must live out the words Walker used: “We are never going to give up. We are always going to keep fighting.”

As a team’s belief in themselves drives them to victory, our belief in Jesus and His power within us, propel us to victory both now and for eternity.

Romans 8:11 (NLT) says, “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.”

As we rely on the Spirit to lead and guide us, we become spiritually and mentally tough by showing great resilience – regardless of the circumstances we face. We know we always have a chance to win when we encounter the many battles in life.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) explains, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”

Today as we consider the power available to us, and the strength that’s found in our dependence on Jesus, let’s remain resilient…and live in victory! I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray I’d be resilient as I rely on You for strength and power. I know I will face troubles, but I know I don’t have to deal with them alone. Thank you for allowing the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave, to reside in me. Please help me to live each day with the confidence that comes from knowing that truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.