UNPACK This...Chiefs vs. 49ers Super Bowl LIVSýnishorn

The Danger Of Subtle Movements  

The San Francisco 49ers had high hopes heading into the 2019 season with the return of their franchise quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo. He went down with a season-ending knee injury in 2018, but he bounced back and helped the 49ers get to the Super Bowl.

As a developing QB with a bright future, there’s one element about his game worth noting. A couple of years ago when former Seahawk Richard Sherman joined the 49ers, he noticed Garoppolo has a throwing tic (a subtle movement) that tells the defense what he wants to do.

Of course, a franchise quarterback doesn’t want to give the defense an opportunity or advantage in trying to stop him, so Garoppolo had to address this weakness and prevent it from being an ongoing issue.

In our own lives, we have weaknesses that make us more susceptible to some sins over others. We know the first little steps that lead us down a path of bad decisions. Satan is on alert to take us down and destroy us so if we aren’t careful and aware, we can give a “subtle movement” that lets him know what to do to stop us from remaining obedient to God.

Every day, it’s important to faithfully and obediently remain focused on Jesus. When we sense temptation, we must cling to Him for strength to resist, instead of flirting with sin and giving any advantage to the enemy.

Ephesians 4:26-27 addresses how anger, when not dealt with, gives the devil an opportunity: “If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry—get over it quickly; for when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil.”

Just like a QB must realize a “subtle movement” can provide an open door for the defense to come in, we must acknowledge how anger and other “subtle movements” can let the enemy in and cause major harm. Let’s trust our loving and powerful God to equip and strengthen us to overcome.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know in my weakness, You are strong. Help me not to give an opportunity to the devil, and help me let go of any anger that is sinful and harmful. I need Your power to overcome every temptation. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.