“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart” (Colossians 4:2 New Living Translation).

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3 New Living Translation).

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady won six Super Bowls together with the New England Patriots, and whether we rooted for them or not, a plethora of principles associated with their long run of success can translate to our own athletic careers, life, family, business and even faith.

An article written by Glenn Llopis on Forbes.com gives great insight regarding leadership lessons to implement, with a big takeaway surrounding the Patriots’ strong “situational readiness.”

Llopis gives this description of situational readiness: “Being optimally present. Knowing what is happening all around you in a specific moment. Having the awareness to recognize patterns.

Enabling circular vision to immediately see the big picture and what can potentially disrupt a strategy (game plan). Having the agility to execute what is best for the team at that moment – knowing that it may not have been part of the original strategy (game plan).”

The Patriots were almost always prepared and ready for anything. They were rarely caught off guard and consistently found a way to adjust the plan. They remained aware and alert to how a game was playing out and responded accordingly.

As we look at how the Patriots mastered “situational readiness,” embraced change, and overcame adversity, we can be encouraged to incorporate these principles into our own lives.

In daily placing our faith in Jesus while seeking His direction and asking for wisdom, we can be ready to respond well in any situation.

1 Corinthians 16:13 encourages us to “be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.”

When we are optimally present, we can recognize what’s happening around us and be aware of the patterns in our lives.

Colossians 4:2 tells us to “devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”

In view of realizing there’s a bigger picture while knowing life involves change and our plans need to be adjusted, we can make the wisest decision at the moment. Thankfully, we can also be prepared by noticing when potential disruptions are about to take place.

Proverbs 22:3 gives us this challenge: “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”

Today, let’s be encouraged to keep our own “situational readiness” rooted in God’s wisdom. As we pray and seek His help to empower us to make the right decisions, we can confidently adjust our plans to line up with His.

Reflect:

1. What area of “situational readiness” is your strongest or weakest on and off the field?
2. In what ways can you improve the way you handle change?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, help me to be more aware of my surroundings and recognize the direction You’re leading me to go. Show me how to be ready in every situation … to follow Your wisdom with a willingness to adjust. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bryce Johnson is the president and founder of UNPACKIN’ it Ministries whose mission is to challenge, encourage, and inspire sports fans to follow Jesus and become more like Him. For more info visit: www.unpackinit.com, or email Bryce@unpackinit.com.