God's Coaching #170

God's Coaching #170

In the NBA, “big men” is an expression used to describe the tallest players who typically stay close to the basket. But that term doesn’t do justice to Manute Bol. Manute, who played in the pros for 11 years, is considered one of the two tallest players in NBA history. He and former Washington Bullets teammate Gheorghe Muresan were both listed at seven feet seven inches tall during their playing days. Talk about your “big men”—that’s more like a human skyscraper!

Thanks to Manute’s tremendous height and long arms, he became the only NBA player in history to tally more blocked shots (2,086) than points (1,599). His arm span measured a whopping eight feet six inches from the tip of his left finger to the tip of his right. He could even put his hands above the rim without jumping! Manute, who died on June 19, 2010, at age 47, was not only an amazing basketball player, but he also lived an amazing life. He claimed to descend from tribal chieftains in his native Sudan, where he once killed a lion with a spear while herding cattle as a youth.

What’s the Score?

Manute earned lots of money and basketball fame because of his impressive physical traits. But when it comes to being a follower of Jesus Christ, appearance doesn’t matter. You don’t have to be tall, strong, fast, or good looking to serve God. In fact, the Bible includes many examples of weak, unimpressive men and women who did great things for God.

Take Moses, for instance. He didn’t speak well. When God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses replied, “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10, NIV). But he eventually helped save Israel and became a great leader. David was “only a boy” when he defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath (1 Samuel 17:33). Elisha, a great miracle-working prophet, was made fun of for his baldness (2 Kings 2:23).

God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things! He doesn’t care what we look like. What he wants most are people with willing hearts who want to obey him.

On the Ball

Do you have any impressive physical characteristics? Even if you think you’re just average, you can accomplish super things for God. Pray that God would use you for his glory, no matter what you look like!

Coach’s Comment

The LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7