God's Coaching #210

God's Coaching #210

Carl Lewis may have grown up as a scrawny kid, but he turned into one of the best track athletes in US history. At the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, Carl won his fourth consecutive gold medal in the long jump—proving his dominance in the sport for more than a decade!

As a child in New Jersey, Carl was small for his age and not as good in sports as his brothers and sisters. His parents coached track but encouraged Carl to take music lessons instead of playing sports. When Carl grew to six-feet two-inches in high school, he quickly became one of the best track athletes in the nation. At the age of 23, Carl won four gold medals at the 1984 Olympics (long jump, 100-meter run, 200-meter run, and 400-meter relay). But he was an underdog at the 1996 Games. Heading into his final jump, Carl was two inches behind the long jump leader. He sprinted down the runway, took off, and landed cleanly. Then he quickly sprang to his feet and put his arms in the air. The jump measured nearly 27 feet and 11 inches! That put him a foot ahead of the competition and earned him his ninth overall gold medal.

What’s the Score?

Carl couldn’t hold back his joy after winning his fourth straight gold medal in long jump. The Bible says God’s followers won’t be able to contain their joy when he returns. The prophet Malachi wrote, “For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (Malachi 4:2).

Fearing God’s name doesn’t mean being afraid of him; it means being in awe of his power and giving him the respect he deserves. The Bible is clear that Jesus is coming back. When that happens, those who believe in him will be rewarded for their faith. We will leap for joy. Maybe we’ll even jump farther than Carl Lewis.

On the Ball

It’s not always easy to be a Christian. Sometimes daily problems can get you down. At those times, look to the future. Have hope, and trust God that one day you will leap for joy. What’s one problem you can give to God? Write it down: ______________________________.

Now jump in the air, because God is bigger!

Coach’s Comment

For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2