God's Coaching #231

God's Coaching #231

Some teams are so good that they’re simply unbeatable. In 1992 the United States assembled a basketball team that was unparalleled in its skill, talent, size, strength, and depth. It was simply called the Dream Team. But playing against it was a nightmare for the rest of the world.

Until 1989, NBA players weren’t allowed to play in the Olympics. After a rule change, USA Basketball assembled its top all-stars, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, David Robinson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, and more. At the Olympics in Barcelona, even the other teams were in awe. It’s not that they didn’t want to beat the Dream Team; they just couldn’t even come close. The Dream Team won every game by an average of 44 points! Croatia came closest to the Americans in the gold-medal game. They only lost by 32. NBA players still play in the Olympics, but no team has dominated like the 1992 Dream Team.

What’s the Score?

The Dream Team was impressive, but it couldn’t come close to God’s dominance. The Bible tells us, “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31). No one stands a chance against his plans—because Jesus won the biggest, world-changing victory in the universe. Jesus defeated death (how’s that for a tough opponent?) when he rose from the dead after hanging on a cross.

Remembering that truth can give us confidence, hope, and strength when we feel like we’re facing an overpowering opponent or problem. Try it. Who or what is making you feel like a loser? What problem is dragging you down? What are you worried about? God is bigger and more powerful than them all. Romans 8:37 goes on to say that even in the problems we face now, “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” If you’re a Christian, you’re a member of his dream team, and one day you’ll celebrate the ultimate victory with him.

On the Ball

Write a cheer or a song about God’s ultimate celebration. Perform your cheer for your family after dinner. Maybe you can even get your other family members involved.

Coach’s Comment

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31