God's Coaching #225

God's Coaching #225

Pro snowboarder Andy Finch was on vacation with his wife in Europe when he received the kind of text you never want to get: “Emergency! Call now!” Andy’s dad, Cliff, had led police on a high-speed chase. Shots were fired. Seven bullets hit Cliff, three in the head. Doctors didn’t expect him to make it. Andy wasn’t afraid of launching big air above the half-pipe, but this rocked his world. It was hard to figure out what happened. Cliff was a great dad who loved God, but depression and mental illness took over.

Praying was the only—and best—thing Andy could do. He immediately turned to God. His father’s recovery and legal process was a long ordeal, but it was miraculous. Cliff ended up partially paralyzed, but his mental illness was controllable with medication. Andy and his family prayed for justice. They were thankful that Cliff’s court sentence was probation, community service, and fines. About a year and a half later, Andy took his dad snowboarding using a special harness to support him. The Finch family’s ordeal was terrible, but God stayed faithful through their darkest days.

What’s the Score?

There’s no pain or tragedy that’s too deep for God. He feels our pain and has compassion. Psalm 34:18 says, “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” In our worst moments, he’s able to give us comfort and peace that are unexplainable. Remember when you were little and all you wanted to do was climb on your mom’s lap when you got hurt? That made everything better. It’s kind of like that with God.

What is breaking your heart? A friend who’s ignoring you? A divorce or death in your family? Take it to God. Climb onto his lap. Cry and tell him how you feel. Let him wipe away your tears and give you comfort. He’s the God who can work miracles in our most terrible times.

On the Ball

Write a psalm or poem to God. Be totally honest and tell him exactly how you feel. But thank him and praise him too. Let him help you like no one else can.

Coach’s Comment

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18