UNPACK This...Opting to Trust GodSýnishorn

Hurts’ Humility

Jalen Hurts has become one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, but many people forget he once lost his starting job in college.

Hurts was a two-year starter at Alabama before being benched for Tua Tagovailoa during the 2018 National Championship Game.

Even though he lost his prominent position on the team, Hurts surprisingly made the decision to remain at Alabama for an additional season.

After Tagovailoa was injured in the SEC Championship Game the following season, Hurts came off the bench to lead the Crimson Tide to an improbable come-from-behind victory.

Hurts could have easily made the decision to leave Alabama after being benched, but he humbly stuck around and contributed when his team needed him.

Although it must have been challenging to sit on the sidelines, Hurts was selflessly supportive and didn’t bolt at the first sign of disappointment.

There are two aspects of this incredible story that can encourage us as followers of Jesus. First of all, Hurts going from the sidelines to being recognized on the big stage reminds us of the verse found in Matthew 23:12: “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor.”

Secondly, Hurts’ decision to stick it out with Alabama is an excellent reminder that the hard thing to do is often the right thing to do.

In the Bible, Moses became a hero, but he experienced suffering first. Hebrews 11:24-26 says, “It was by faith that Moses when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.”

We may want to take the easy way out, but it’s the hard times that set us up for the best times.

Today, let’s decide to trust God along the challenging path when we know it’s the right one.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me choose the right path and make wise decisions, even when they involve challenges. I pray I’ll remain humble and trust You while waiting for the opportunities You bring my way. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.