God's Coaching #242

God's Coaching #242

Some people work and sweat and practice for years to reach the Olympics. Once they’re in, they get one chance to give it all and win a medal. Lawrence Lemieux had his chance in the 1988 Seoul Games. Things were going well for the Canadian sailor even though 40-mile-per-hour winds whipped up choppy waves. Lawrence was in second place. That’s when he saw two other sailors from a different race who were in the water. Their boat was upside down. Lawrence knew they needed help. He veered off course and abandoned his race to rescue them. Once Olympic officials took the two sailors from Singapore ashore, Lawrence finished his race. He finished last.

Lawrence was disappointed but knew he had done what he had to do. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave Lawrence an honorary silver medal. It was one of only nine that had ever been handed out. The IOC said Lawrence’s rescue represented the true spirit of the Olympics. Twenty years after his Olympics, Lawrence said he would still do the same thing and make the rescue.

What’s the Score?

Lawrence is a perfect example of what the apostle Paul meant when he told us, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:4). What would you have done if you had trained for years to reach your Olympic dream? It’s easy for us to go after what we want, but how often do we look around? Who’s having a bad day? Who is hurting? Who needs a hug or a high five? Who needs some help with homework or extra practice on the court?

There are many easy ways to help people around us. But sometimes helping another person means we have to sacrifice. Are you willing to give up something that means a lot to you in order to help someone else? Start by looking around to see who is in need. Then ask God to give you his strength—and offer to help.

On the Ball

The people I know who need help are

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I can _____________________________________________ to help them.

Coach’s Comment

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4