God's Coaching #214

God's Coaching #214

Have you learned about the famous explorer Marco Polo and the great warlord Genghis Khan in school? If not, you probably will. Tim Cope had studied the historic pair, but he wasn’t satisfied to just read about them in history books. In 2004, Tim set out to travel from Mongolia to Hungary on horseback—all 6,214 miles! For a year and a half the explorer followed the route Genghis Khan had used more than 700 years ago to build the largest empire in the world.

Tim quickly found himself alone in a ginormous wilderness scattered with nomads and herdsmen. When a local man returned Tim’s lost horses early in the trip, he realized he would have to rely on others to survive. He stayed with more than 160 families during his journey. By the end of his trip, people started showing up to ride their horses along with him. Even though he was crossing a vast, lonely land, Tim succeeded on his journey by relying on the gracious hospitality of the local people.

What’s the Score?

Do you ever feel alone? Do you ever feel like no one else cares about living for God? The famous Old Testament prophet Elijah did. After God’s great victory on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), Elijah ran and hid in the wilderness. He complained to God, “I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” But God reminded Elijah that there were still many more faithful people despite the persecution they all faced. And God brought Elijah another prophet, a man named Elisha, to help him (1 Kings 19:15-18).

We all need other people, especially on our loneliest quests. God encouraged Elijah and used other people to support him. We all have someone who cares about us and wants to help. Sometimes we just need to look up and reach out to realize it.

On the Ball

List the family members, friends, and others who love and care about you. When you’re tempted to feel sorry for yourself, ask one of them for help.

Coach’s Comment

He replied again, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 1 Kings 19:14