Quick Starts

QUICK STARTS often can lead to great games. And in a 2003 football contest between Baltimore and Cleveland, Ravens running back Jamal Lewis used some fast footwork to break the NFL single-game rushing record.

Lewis knew early in the week that he might have a record-breaking day. He even told a teammate that if he got the ball enough, he thought he’d have a career game. And Lewis was right.

After just two carries, Lewis had amassed 100 yards—thanks to an 82-yard touchdown jaunt. By halftime he had 180 yards, and all the Ravens started talking about breaking the single-game record of 278 yards, which was held by Cincinnati’s Corey Dillon.

In the second half, Lewis continued to gain yards in bunches. His 63-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave Baltimore a 23–13 lead. And by game’s end, he had carried the ball 30 times for 295 yards in the Ravens’ 33–13 victory. That’s an average of 9.8 yards every time he wrapped his hands around the ball! Plus, Lewis would have been the first player to break 300 yards in a game, but a 60-yard touchdown run in the first half was called back because of a holding penalty.

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POINT Cleveland had a tough time stopping Jamal Lewis. With his teammates’ help and support, Lewis set a new NFL record and played an amazing game.

In Bible times, the Jewish authorities also had a hard time trying to stop some people. They couldn’t hinder the disciples from spreading the gospel. They arrested the apostles and questioned them in the temple court. But Peter and the others said they had to obey God and do their job. The furious council plotted to kill the disciples.

But Gamaliel, a Pharisee, offered his council members some sound advice. He said if the disciples’ words came from themselves, their efforts would fail. But if their purpose came from God, no one could stop them. And no one did.

GOAL! Imagine breaking an NFL rushing record. You’d feel unstoppable! Praise God that nobody can stop the gospel. Will you ask him to use you in his awesome plan?