As football season winds down, I was struck by how often successful teams are willing and able to call an audible.
An audible is called when the offense sees the defense is positioned to stop the play they are planning to run. Based on positioning and tendencies, they will then switch to a different play that is designed to work against the defense they are facing. There are several factors involved in whether an audible is called, and if it is successful.
Most defenses study their opponent’s tendencies and prepare for them based on what they have done in the past.
A smart offensive coordinator will study their own past performance and be familiar with their own habits and patterns. They can then put themselves in a familiar position, anticipate the opposing strategy, and have a plan to audible to a better play. A successful audible requires preparation.
Another important factor in running an audible is time and timing. If you take too long to get in the right position, you may not have enough time to call an audible. The best audible is called with enough time for only the offense to adjust. A successful audible requires timing.
The most important aspect of an audible is execution. It is a fundamental truth that the best designed play is only as good as the execution of the play. How many wide open receivers are missed, passes dropped, blocks missed, or penalties incurred due to poor execution?
It takes more than just calling the right play, but running the right play right, to be successful. Audibles rely on good execution.
When the Lord gives us instructions ( calls a play), understand that He has studied your tendencies and past performance. So too has your opponent, and so it is to our advantage to obey quickly, so that if God needs to change your position or assignment, you have time to recognize and adjust.
Faith is hearing the play call, getting lined up and surveying the defense immediately. Faith then listens for an audible, and then executes whatever play is called to the best of its ability.
Certain teams or players prefer to run, others prefer to pass, but the goal is the same…move the ball down the field. We too have our preferences, but God is interested in progress.
There are times when He will have you do the things you prefer and feel comfortable doing. There are other times when progress will be made only when you are executing outside of your comfort zone. Another truth is that growth is equivalent to change, and both come when you balance going to your strengths and improving your weaknesses.
Every situation you face can be overcome if you operate and execute God’s plan. You may want to pray about someone, but God will call an audible and tell you to speak a word to them, or bless them financially.
He may switch out your fellowship time with private devotion with Him. If you are interested in advancing the kingdom, you will not hesitate at the method He chooses. Audibles require obedience.
So let’s get in our rightful positions quickly, prepared to execute our individual assignments to the best of our ability, having faith that whatever play is called, God has a strategy that will advance His purpose in the earth and in our lives.
His plan calls for audibles and our lives are full of them, designed to overcome the opposition we face right now. Expect them, trust them, and execute them to continue moving forward with Him. A spirit led life is a life full of audibles, and it requires preparation, timing, and execution.
Everyday God... 