God's Coaching #111

God's Coaching #111

Jeff Gordon’s auto-racing career began when he was five. By the time he was eight, he had won his first quarter-midget championship. But Jeff would have to wait until he was 35 before he earned his 76th NASCAR victory that tied him with Dale Earnhardt as the sixth-winningest driver.

On this day in 2007, Jeff started from the pole position in the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at the Phoenix International Raceway. Known as “Wonder Boy,” Jeff had claimed his 75th NASCAR victory in July 2006, but he couldn’t seem to win the race he needed to tie Dale. To honor Dale, Jeff’s Hendrick Motorsports team had prepared a flag with No. 4 on it, which they had planned to unveil once Jeff tied the legendary driver.

In Phoenix, Jeff led the 312-lap race early. However, Tony Stewart soon worked his way to the front. Jeff regained the lead on lap 294, but Tony made a pass to reclaim the top spot on lap 299. Jeff knew he didn’t have much time. He boldly moved to the bottom of the track and passed Tony during lap 300. From there he pulled away to win the race by six car lengths.

What’s the Score?

Following the victory, Jeff’s crew handed him the No. 4 flag, and Jeff slowly drove around the track honoring Dale. Fans cheered on Jeff and paid their respects to Dale, who had died in a crash in 2001. It was a memorable moment for Jeff—one worth waiting for.

Have you ever heard the saying “Good things come to those who wait”? That’s what Jeff experienced. He had to wait nearly nine months for his record-tying victory, but the moment was amazing. The Bible puts it this way: “Patient endurance is what you need. . . . Then you will receive all that he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

Have you noticed that you don’t always get everything you want when you want it? That’s okay. In fact, it’s good to show patience. God rewards patience. Doing his will without being rewarded right away makes the payoff even sweeter in the end.

On the Ball

Would you describe yourself as a patient person? It’s not easy to wait. The next time you want something badly, purposefully wait to get it. Maybe you can wait a whole month. While you’re waiting, pray to God to give you endurance and help you be more patient in life.

Coach’s Comment

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Hebrews 10:36