When NFL training camps begin, many eyes are on the rookie quarterbacks. We wonder how quickly they will have an impact on the field, and we especially keep a close eye on the quarterback battles – where a rookie has the chance to be a starter in year one.
This is the case in Houston where former Clemson standout and first round draft pick, Deshaun Watson, is already impressing the Texans’ coaches.
He has the skills and the intangibles, but one of the keys for a smooth transition from college to the pros is learning the playbook. The language is unique, and the plays can seem complicated at first, but Watson must be prepared to execute the playbook.
Watson recently admitted, “Of course, it’s a big playbook. It’s something new. It’s something different. As far as for me, I’m just taking it one day at a time, one step at a time, and not overwhelm myself.”
I appreciate his perspective, as I can only imagine how overwhelming he must feel when opening it up for the first time and wondering where to begin.
As he learns one play at a time, however, he will begin to grasp the concepts and become more comfortable with what to do in each situation.
After studying for a length of time, Watson should have much of the playbook memorized. Once it’s ingrained in him, he will be able to call out plays with ease.
As we follow Jesus, we have our own playbook to study, memorize, and execute. The Bible may seem overwhelming, new, and different at first, but we must take it one verse, one chapter, and one book at a time.
By spending time in the Word, we become more comfortable with the principles and concepts. The more we read and meditate, the more the themes and overall message becomes clearer. Eventually, it becomes ingrained in us and we can recollect verses with ease.
It would be foolish for a quarterback to show up to training camp without putting any time and effort into learning the playbook, and just guessing what he should do on the field.
Similarly, as we live our lives with a desire to please God and know Him deeply, it’s foolish to think we can do so without ever learning our playbook.
When a quarterback knows the playbook inside and out, it makes him a much more effective player and leader. Likewise, we are able to have tremendous impact and experience personal life change by knowing and studying the Bible.
The Lord told Joshua in Joshua 1:8 (AMP), “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be [a]successful.”
Psalm 119:105 (ESV) says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
“But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves”offers us encouragement in James 1:22 (ESV).
Today, let’s be challenged by Deshaun Watson’s approach to the Texans’ playbook by embracing the Bible “one day at a time, one step at a time, and not overwhelm [ourselves].”
God has revealed so much in Scripture, and wants us to know Him and follow His Word. All we have to do is be willing to open it up…and take one verse at a time.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me access to Your Word. I pray I wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by all the layers of Scripture, but instead approach it with an open heart and mind. Please give me a passion to study the Bible and to know You deeply. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
