God's Coaching #200

God's Coaching #200

Jake Drummond turned a school project into a world record. Jake was just 14 when he had to look through the Guinness Book of World Records to do a report in school. He noticed that a man in Barbados had recorded a 100-meter time of 16.68 seconds while riding a wheelie on a bicycle. I think I could beat that, Jake thought. Jake had always loved bike riding. He had jumps, ramps, and berms built up in his backyard in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

About a year later, Jake had taken all the steps to attempt to break the 100-meter wheelie world record. Electronic timing was set up on Oshkosh West High School’s outdoor track. The proper video equipment was ready. Guinness officials had been informed. Riding his beloved mountain bike, Jake took off on his first attempt, but he couldn’t hold his wheelie the entire 100 meters. On his second try, he posted a time of 16.01—a new world record. But Jake wasn’t done. He pedaled out a time of 15.21 to break the old record by more than one second!

What’s the Score?

Jake had always shown a natural ability on a bicycle. When he told his mother that he wanted to go for a world record, she thought it was a great idea. “He has loved bicycles his whole life,” Jake’s mom told reporters. “It just made sense. When we happened to come across the fact he could ride this fast, it was easy.”

When things come easily for you, it’s natural to think they’re simple for everybody else. But that’s not the case. God gives everybody different abilities and talents. Even if math is easy for you, your friend might struggle in it. From a young age, Jesus understood God’s Word. When he was 12, Jesus’ parents took him to Jerusalem. He ended up at the Temple, listening to and asking questions of the religious leaders. The Bible says, “All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers” (Luke 2:47). Jesus didn’t look down on people who didn’t understand the Scriptures. He spent much of his ministry teaching people about God’s Word and helping them understand it. God wants us all to use the abilities he gives us to help the people around us too.

On the Ball

God wants you to develop your talents—whether those include math, bike riding, or playing a musical instrument. And we can all follow Jesus’ example of digging into God’s Word and gaining a better understanding of his commands. Practice your skill today, and thank God for the unique abilities he has given you.

Coach’s Comment

All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:47