God's Coaching #227

God's Coaching #227

Michael Phelps became the greatest Olympic athlete of all time at the 2008 Beijing Games. In eight races, he won eight gold medals and set seven world records. It was an unbelievable accomplishment. Michael found all sorts of ways to win, including blowouts and relays when his teammates had to come from behind. He won the 200-meter butterfly without being able to see when his goggles leaked. But his closest and most famous victory was in the 100-meter butterfly.

Michael was losing on the last lap. He slowly closed the gap, but it looked like Milorad Čavić of Serbia would win the race. From an underwater view, it appeared as if Milorad touched the wall first. But the scoreboard showed a victory for Michael. Michael screamed and slapped the water in excitement. What happened? Michael chopped his normal last stroke short and flapped his long arms an extra time. It was enough to throw him forward to touch the wall before Milorad by 0.01 second—that’s one one-hundredth of a second! Whatever it took, Michael found a way to win.

What’s the Score?

Paul is one of the most famous apostles. You could say he was the champion of the early church. Maybe that’s because he was willing to do whatever it took to spread the good news about Jesus and to help the early Christians grow in their faith. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul wrote about how he tried to make connections with all types of people. “I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some,” he said in verse 22.

Paul wasn’t two faced. He was true to Jesus and communicated in ways people could understand. What about you? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to show and tell others that you know Jesus? Are you willing to listen to others so you can best understand how to communicate God’s love to them? Do you spend time doing activities they like? Do you try to understand their cultures? Do whatever it takes to love others like God does.

On the Ball

Think of a group of people you don’t know that well. How can you get to know them better? How can you show them God’s love? Put those ideas in practice.

Coach’s Comment

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22