God's Coaching #191

God's Coaching #191

The sun proved to be the winner through 120 minutes of soccer in the 1999 Women’s World Cup finals. The United States and China couldn’t manage a goal, but the sun managed to push temperatures to nearly 100 degrees at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The players were exhausted. The 90,185 fans were about to collapse as well. As the teams prepared to take turns shooting penalty kicks, the players sat on the grass, guzzling water.

When the best players in the world shoot at the goal from just 12 yards away, the goalie doesn’t have much of a chance to block the ball. China went first and scored against US goalie Briana Scurry. US captain Carla Overbeck answered with a goal. The teams traded goals again. Then Brianna made a diving save, punching away China’s third attempt. The next four shooters all scored, which made it 4–4 with just Brandi Chastain left to shoot. The US defender approached the ball and pounded it with her left foot into the lower-right corner on the net. The United States had won their second World Cup championship!

What’s the Score?

Brandi’s goal clinched the championship. But without her teammates, she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to win at all. Carla Overbeck, Joy Fawcett, Kristine Lilly, and Mia Hamm also scored. Plus, Brianna made a brilliant save. All these players were extremely tired after playing 120 minutes of soccer in very hot temperatures. But they all reached deep and found the extra strength to pull out the victory.

In the Bible, David needed an extra dose of strength from time to time, such as when he killed a lion, defeated Goliath, and hid from King Saul. In Psalm 18:32 he writes, “God arms me with strength.” David knew his strength came from God. God designed our bodies with an amazing capacity for strength and endurance. Sometimes when we think we can’t go on anymore, if we bear down and trust God, we discover the ability to keep going. That’s what happened for the US women’s soccer team, and it can happen for you, too.

On the Ball

Think of a time when you were really tired. Maybe it was on a family hike or bike ride. Perhaps it was during gym class or during a sports game. Were you able to find extra energy that you didn’t know you had? Thank God for giving you strength.

Coach’s Comment

God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. Psalm 18:32-33