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“The Surprise Onside Kick”

In Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints amazingly knocked off Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 with Drew Brees winning the MVP.

After the first half, the Colts led the Saints 10-6 in a surprisingly low-scoring start to the game. But the game totally shifted when the second half began. While the Colts eagerly waited to receive the kickoff, the Saints made an astonishing and risky decision that caught everyone off guard. Their kicker successfully executed an onside kick that bounced off of a Colts’ player, and put the Saints in position to recover the ball.

The Saints’ gamble paid off. After taking over on offense, the team marched down the field to score a touchdown. The rest of the game was competitive, but that unpredictable kick ended up being the turning point for the Saints. The Colts paid the price by not being prepared for an onside kick.

As followers of Jesus, it’s crucial that we remain alert to the schemes of our enemy. Satan is out to get us, and if we aren’t careful we can be caught off guard by an attack. That’s why we must remain faithful and reliant on God to equip us for whatever comes our way.

We are told in 1 Peter 5:8-9, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

The unexpected onside kick turned out to be very costly for the Colts, and their lack of readiness allowed the Saints to capitalize. As we follow Jesus, let’s remain watchful and on guard by trusting Him for the strength we need to resist attacks from the enemy. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to rely on your strength and power when dealing with the devil’s schemes. Please equip me so that I’m not surprised, but ready instead. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.