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

How Did The Chiefs Come Back?  

On their way to the Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs pulled off an unbelievable comeback over the Houston Texans after being down by 24 points. In Bill Barnwell’s article on ESPN.com, he points out what he thinks is the biggest reason they won:

“Field position over the course of multiple possessions almost never gets mentioned during broadcasts or in postgame commentaries from coaches and players, but it’s a lot easier to score on a short field than it is on a long one.”

Being closer to the end zone puts a team in the best position to score, so in just a few minutes and nine plays for 81 yards, the Chiefs scored 21 points. Because of their great field position, they got right back in the game and ultimately won 51-31.

Just as the Chiefs’ field position was instrumental in their victory, our proximity to God enables us to experience victory. The closer we are to Him, the more likely we’ll overcome temptation, battle against worry and fear, and live with peace and joy.

The Bible says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you…” 

Psalm 145:18 explains, “The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth.”

Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.”

Once we surrender our lives to Jesus, we need to remember He lives within us. This is true even when we feel distant and a long “field” appears to be in front of us.

Despite busyness and other priorities getting in the way of sensing His presence, God doesn’t move or change. We must remove any obstacles, so we can experience the closeness that’s readily available to us.

As followers of Jesus, we’re given the incredible “field position” of always being close to and actually in the “end zone.” Today, let’s take full advantage of our own game-changing closeness and be victorious in Him. 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know You’re right there with me. Take away my distractions so I don’t drift. I desire to experience the closeness You make available to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.