God's Coaching #246

God's Coaching #246

Whisper. Go ahead. Whatever comes to mind, just say it in a whisper. Are you done? Reed Doughty wouldn’t have been able to hear you. Sometimes Reed can’t hear someone speaking in a normal voice when he is standing a few feet away. You see, Reed has severe hearing loss in both ears. That alone is not unique. Lots of people have hearing problems. But Reed is a safety for the Washington Redskins.

Football, more than most major sports, is a game of communication. At any given time, there are 22 players on the field, each with a vital role. Instructions are relayed from the sideline and discussed among players before every play. Then moments before each snap, both teams shout out other information, based on how the other team lines up. All this happens while 70,000 fans are screaming at the top of their lungs. It doesn’t sound like the ideal job for a person with hearing difficulties, does it? Yet Reed has played more than five NFL seasons. He overcame his challenges by memorizing hand signals, reading lips, and immersing himself in his playbook.

What’s the Score?

Reed, a Christian, trusted in God to help him through his challenges. Maybe you have some type of special need like Reed. Or maybe your difficulty is completely unrelated to physical ailments. Whatever you are facing in life, there is a God who is bigger than your problems and wants to use you for his glory.

In Exodus 3 and 4, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. But Moses hesitated, claiming he was slow of speech. God reminded Moses that he had made him and could put words into his mouth. Moses eventually obeyed and became one of the Bible’s greatest heroes. No matter what your challenge, God can do mighty things through you if you trust in him. Just like Reed Doughty and Moses did.

On the Ball

Write down any challenges (physical or otherwise) you might have:

Now look up Bible verses to speak truth into your life and encourage you.

Coach’s Comment

The LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” Exodus 4:11-12