10 Jan, 2011
Determination
Marshawn Lynch's TD run draws rave reviews in Seattle
SEATTLE -- Marshawn Lynch's tackle-busting, back-breaking 67-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run that helped knock out the New Orleans Saints on Saturday was one for the archives. "One of the greatest runs I ever saw,'' marveled Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.
Added Seahawks teammate Brandon Stokley, "Unbelievable. One guy can't bring that man down."
And backfield mate Justin Forsett, also Lynch's teammate at Cal, "A signature Lynch move."
Afterward, Lynch, 24, seemed surprised when informed that he dodged as many as six defenders.
"Is that right?'' he said. "I was just pretty much determined, man. Determined.''
The Seahawks traded for Lynch in October, sending the Buffalo Bills multiple draft choices. He was a No. 1 pick in 2007 as the 12th overall selection.
On Saturday, the powerful back broke free on a play, Power 17, that the Seahawks had not run all day. A couple of Saints tried to strip him of the football, but the 5-11, 215-pound bulldozer tossed aside cornerback Tracy Porter with a stiff-arm before leaping backwards into the end zone. He finished with 131 yards on 19 carries as he recorded the first 100-yard rushing day by a Seahawk this season.
New Orleans safety Darren Sharper called it a "beastly run.''
After it, Lynch posed on the sidelines, muscles bulging.
"He's a clown, so I knew he was going to style a little bit,'' joked Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne.
Story and Photo courtesy of news.google.com.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV, ©2010)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
What does God's Story teach us about determination?
Determination is defined as "firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end" (m-w.com). It's a great word to sum up Hebrews 12:1-2. Marshawn Lynch's run on Saturday was a great visual of what it means to run with our eyes fixed on the prize. In his case, it was a touchdown and a chance to move on in the NFL Playoffs. For us, it is an eternal prize, Jesus. Just as Lynch had to evade tackle after tackle in his run, we must evade the many ways our enemy will try to destroy our faith. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that there are certain things that might hinder us, or slow us down in our spiritual growth, as well as sin that "so easily entangles us." We must, however, run with perseverance, with determination, by keeping our fixed eyes on Jesus.
How can I connect today's God's Story scripture to My Life?
- Is there something hindering your spiritual growth right now? Is it a dating relationship? Is it the pressure to fit into a certain group of friends on your campus or community? Fix your eyes Jesus by spending some extra time talking with Him this week.
- Is there a certain sin that keeps creeping back into your life that you just cannot seem to shake? Fix your eyes on Jesus by asking Him to forgive you and to be your strength in moments of weakness.
- Are you running with perseverance? Fix your eyes on Jesus spending some extra time reading God's Story this week.
How can I connect Today's Story, My Story, and God's Story to Others?
- Do you know a follower of Jesus who is hindered by something in their life? Spend some time with them this week and share the verses from today's God's Story scripture.
- Do you know a follower of Jesus who is struggling with a recurring sin in their life. Ask them how you can help them in their journey. Maybe you could pray with them on a regular basis. Maybe you could offer to hold them accountable.
- Find a close friend who desires to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and make a commitment to hold one another accountable. Meet once a week or a couple of times a month to check in with one another to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
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