UNPACK this...Fear and WorrySýnishorn

Faith or Fear? Eagles Win the Super Bowl!  

When the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, their team had many players and coaches embodying humility, selflessness, and courage. 

One word that sums up this 2017 team is “faith.” While other teams let fear creep in when facing the Patriots, the Eagles displayed poise, peace, confidence, and calmness. 

Backup quarterback, Nick Foles, and second-year head coach, Doug Pederson, didn’t let the big stage pressure get in the way of how they boldly approached this monumental game.

Not only did faith drive their demeanor, but it affected their play-calling. Fans still recall the gutsy decision to attempt the 4th down "Philly Special" trick play touchdown (Foles’ catch) to end the first half.

Instead of letting fear take over, the Eagles showed faith in each other, the coaching staff, and in the play-calling. More importantly, they displayed faith in Jesus – the foundation their leadership was built on.

By giving God the glory, Doug Pederson, Zach Ertz, Nick Foles, and countless others willingly explained where their confidence and peace came from.

As we remember how faith defined the Eagles, we can consider the role it plays in our own lives. Do we make decisions based on faith or fear? 

Does our faith give us the confidence to call for a trick play on 4th down...or do we play it safe fearing failure? 

Does our faith in God allow us to have peace when the pressure’s great, and lead to boldness even when considered the underdog?

Hebrews 11:6 says, "And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”

When we surrender our lives to Jesus and place our faith in Him, His power and strength allow us to do the impossible. We don't have to let fear win when dealing with financial trouble, addiction, uncertainty, or a health crisis. 

Instead, knowing our faith is rooted in the magnificent, all-powerful, King of the world, and that He’s always with us, we can confidently "step on the field" and go for it on "4th down!" 

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me live with a big faith that unlocks Your power and peace within me. I pray I’d live boldly and confidently knowing that You’ve already overcome the world. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.