The Days of Easter. That time when I think of American football. Ok, I should probably explain.

2002. Sanford Stadium. Athens, Georgia. My beloved Georgia Bulldogs were playing the Vanderbilt Commodores. Vandy dressed in white and gold; Georgia in glorious red jerseys and silver britches. Georgia had the ball, facing the west goal 65 yards away. Get the picture?

Then an amazing thing happened. Why don't you watch it yourself. It won't take long. Just click here. I'll wait. http://bit.ly/DGreene

Back? Did you notice something odd about that play? David Greene, Georgia's quarterback, took the snap, faked a handoff to the tailback, and kept the ball close. Then he just walked away!

Greene, appearing defenseless, did not see the huge players fighting to get to him. He later admitted being a bit nervous but Greene had confidence. He trusted his coach who had made the daring call. And he trusted his offensive line who had his back...literally.

Growing up I played football. I was hit hard, slung to the ground, and even stepped on...but by people I could see. I was never told to turn my back to them. Greene's play required a lot of trust!

What does this have to do with the Days of Easter? The events of Palm Sunday through the Ascension forever altered "life" for believers and what is required of them. What did Jesus say?

In Jerusalem---Put your trust in the light while you have it... John 12:35-37

At the last supper---Trust in God; trust also in Me. John 14:1b

In the garden---...not what I will, but what You will. Mark 14:36b

Before Pilate---For this reason I was born and came into the world... John 18:37b

On the cross---Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. Luke 23:46a

After the resurrection---I am with you always... Matthew 28:20b

Jesus gave His own life for the life of the world so that all who believe in Him will have life to the full, now and forever. (John 3:16; 6:51; 10:10) You know this. But knowing what Jesus did is not enough. We must understand what this season means for us today. The Days of Easter are about trust.

Jesus requires a different kind of trust---a calling of total devotion to Him. He shows the depth of that trust---the surrender of personal desire to the will of God. He leads us to the reward of such trust---eternal peace with our present and future in the hands of a loving Savior.

The play comes in from the sideline: Turn away from the world and follow me. You are not alone. I have your back. And I have sent in others who will build you up and help you stand. You're a bit nervous. Then the coach whispers, Do you trust me?

When trials and hardships break you down...when you lose all the world has given...when sorrow, pain and death stand at your door...remember the Days of Easter.