God's Coaching #237

God's Coaching #237

For years, Mary Decker was the queen of American distance running. She was considered the best in the world, but she had never won an Olympic medal. An injury kept Mary out of the 1976 Games. An American boycott kept her from competing in the 1980 Olympics. But in 1984, she was favored to win the 3,000 meters when the Olympics came to Los Angeles.

Mary and two other runners jumped to an early lead. About halfway through the race, the barefoot 18-year-old Zola Budd from South Africa moved slightly ahead of Mary. Zola cut over sharply. Mary’s toe hit Zola’s foot, and she fell—tearing a hip muscle in the crash. Mary’s hopes for an Olympic medal shattered. The crowd booed. Zola felt awful and gave up the race. After the race, Zola attempted to make an apology, but the heartbroken Mary told her not to bother. Much later, both runners apologized and admitted they should have handled the whole event differently.

What’s the Score?

Life can get heated, just like a close race. We have to stay alert and keep our guard up. There are many obstacles that can trip us and keep us from obeying God. Sometimes temptations snag us. Sometimes we believe lies that contradict God’s Word. Sometimes other people cause us to stumble, either on accident or on purpose. That’s what happened to Mary and to the Christians in the city of Galatia. Paul wrote to them, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7, NIV).

We need to choose friends who will run beside us, not cut us off. Think of them as your teammates. They can help you run your fastest and avoid obstacles. And remember, when you do hit an obstacle, to keep obeying the truth. That’s the best way to run a good race.

On the Ball

Do you have a friend who cuts you off and keeps you from obeying God’s truth? You might need to stop hanging out with that person.

Coach’s Comment

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? Galatians 5:7 (NIV)