UNPACK this...For Sports FansSample

“Detours Prepare Us For The Future” During the 2015 NFL season, Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver, James Jones, was a key reason the team made it to the playoffs. Jones signed with the Packers just before the first game, after spending the summer with the New York Giants and being released by them. Although Jones didn’t spend much time with the Giants and ended up getting cut, he said, “I truly believe the Lord sent me to the Giants for a reason because it wasn’t to make the team, it was to polish off all my skills.” Jones was being prepared for his return to the Packers where he wound up having a major role during the season. I believe God allows detours, failures, and challenges to grow us and prepare us for future purposes. If we look at the Bible, we see many stories where detours result in God accomplishing something great in and through His people. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, but was able to save them later because of it. He told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” We can be encouraged to learn something positive and keep persevering, even when we find ourselves in a situation we don’t understand. Let’s allow God to use our temporary road blocks for His purposes…and to “polish” our character. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!