God's Coaching #288

God's Coaching #288

Dale Earnhardt’s last NASCAR victory may have been his best. This National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) legend sat in 18th place with just five laps remaining at the Winston 500 on October 15, 2000. But nobody was ever better than Dale at driving the big 2.66-mile oval at Talladega.

For much of the 188-lap race, Dale had been battling with 25 other cars at the front of the pack. Twenty-one different drivers had led the race, and there were 49 lead changes. But when the checkered flag came down, it was Dale claiming the victory. After the race, Dale credited Kenny Wallace and Joe Nemechek for helping him get to the front. These three cars got in a tight bunch to help each other go faster. Dale zoomed through traffic and found himself in fourth place with two laps to go. Then in a bold move, Dale went to the outside and led Kenny and Joe to the front. For the final lap, Dale held off Kenny and Joe from passing him to earn his 76th victory.

What’s the Score?

Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in NASCAR—and for good reason. When many drivers would’ve given up hope, he drove hard to the end of every race. Dale’s never-give-up attitude and amazing driving skills earned him the respect of fellow NASCAR racers. In the Winston 500, Dale used his experience and a little help from his friends to win the race. Even with the paint of his Number 3 car nearly rubbed off the right side and his bumper badly dinged from being hit from behind, Dale found a way to win his 10th race at the Talladega Speedway.

During the second-to-last lap, Dale could be seen motioning to Kenny to get on his bumper. Kenny did just that, and with Joe close behind, the trio went to the front. The Bible reminds us to do good things for other people. Without Kenny and Joe’s help, Dale never would’ve won the race. Doing good doesn’t always mean helping somebody win. You could help a friend with math homework or assist a sibling in cleaning her room. Always look for ways to help others.

On the Ball

Take a moment to ask God to bring somebody to your mind who needs help. Write down that person’s name: _____________________________________. What can you do for that person? Sharing with others and sacrificing to be helpful makes God happy.

Coach’s Comment

Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)