UNPACK This...Operating at Full StrengthSample

Only Ten Players On Defense

Notre Dame led its 2023 showdown against Ohio State 14-10 late in the fourth quarter before the Buckeyes got the ball with about 1:30 remaining.

Ohio State moved down the field, setting up one final play with three seconds left. Chip Trayanum took the handoff up the middle into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown!

The craziest part of this surprise ending was the fact that Notre Dame lined up with only ten defensive players for the final snap, leaving a gap for Trayanum to score.

Without a fortified defensive front on the last play of the game, it turned out to be a costly mistake for Notre Dame.

This situation is a reminder for us to fortify our “defensive front” every day. As followers of Jesus, we will often be under attack by an enemy who is looking for vulnerability.

The Bible encourages us to put on the FULL armor of God so we’ll have a complete defense when temptation strikes.

Ephesians 6:10-17 implores us to “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Today, let’s not limit our ability to “defend” by fighting in our own strength. Instead, let’s stand firm with the full power available from God.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me to put on my full armor every day. I need You and Your help to stand firm. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.