One of the rules in football that is sometimes difficult for refs to determine is pass interference. You could argue it happens on every play between a wide receiver and a defensive back, but refs usually only throw the flag when it’s blatant.

This past weekend there were two controversial pass interference situations. During the Giants and Ravens game, a questionable call was made against the Giants’ defense which allowed the Ravens to take the lead. The Giants still came back to win, but the concerns about the interference penalty remained.

Also, Atlanta ended up losing to Seattle with a pass interference not being called at the end of the game. The Falcons were not happy that the refs didn’t notice Richard Sherman holding down Julio Jones’ arm, which prevented him from being able to catch the pass thrown his way.

As we watch football, we understand how difficult it is for a wide receiver to catch a pass when he’s dealing with interference. A defender is getting in the way and preventing the player from receiving the ball that’s intended for him.

In our own lives, we should also be aware that it is difficult to receive everything God intends for us if we are dealing with interference. We miss out on blessings and being able to hear God’s voice when we allow busyness, sin, disobedience, and laziness to interfere with our growth and relationship with Jesus. The interference prevents us from being open to receiving the wonderful gifts He has in store for us.

Each day we must avoid all that interferes with staying closely connected to God, and causes us to miss out on experiencing the fruit that comes from walking in step with Jesus.

The Bible says in John 15:4-5 (NLT), “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”

Today, let’s look inward and consider what may be causing interference in our lives. Let’s remain closely connected to Jesus, relying on Him, so we can receive the fruit and catch the blessings that are thrown our way. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please reveal to me the areas of my life that are causing interference between You and me. I ask that I would have the strength to surrender those things and remain closely connected to You. Thank you for all of the blessings You send my way, and I pray I wouldn’t let anything interfere with a fruitful relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.