God's Coaching #256

God's Coaching #256

Rafael Nadal had every reason to brag. On September 13, 2010, the ultratalented Spaniard wrote his name in professional tennis’s history books with a win at the US Open. His 6–4, 5–7, 6–4, 6–2 victory over Novak Djokovic gave him a career Grand Slam, which means he had won all four “major” tennis titles—the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. He became only the seventh man in history to accomplish this feat.

Rafael’s US Open triumph also further cemented his status as the world’s top tennis player and a worthy challenger to Swiss star Roger Federer’s claim to being “the greatest of all time.” Rafael’s victory gave him nine Grand Slam titles, while Roger held the all-time record at 16. But Rafael, who is five years younger than Roger, earned the career Grand Slam three years earlier in his life than Roger did. What’s more, Rafael held a 5–2 record over Roger in Grand Slam finals. Despite all this, Rafael didn’t take the opportunity to boast in his achievements. He said that he “never imagined having all four grand slams.” Given the chance to compare himself to Roger, Rafael said, “The titles say he’s much better than me. I think that will be true all my life.”

What’s the Score?

Rafael’s humility is impressive given his tennis greatness. There is much to be learned from a star athlete who refuses to talk big about himself despite his utter dominance.

This is the attitude God wants us to have in our lives too. The Bible often talks about how God loves humility but hates pride. We are created beings with no power of our own. Everything we can do—even the breaths we take—comes from God. There is no room for boasting, no matter how good we are at something, because it is God who gives us all our abilities. He wants us to praise him for what we can do, not talk about ourselves.

On the Ball

Write a list of five things you are good at, and then thank God in prayer for giving you the ability to do them.

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Coach’s Comment

You rescue the humble, but your eyes watch the proud and humiliate them. 2 Samuel 22:28