God's Coaching #304

God's Coaching #304

Nothing is scarier than a face carved into a turnip. Okay, not really. But the tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns dates back hundreds of years to Ireland when people carved faces into turnips. Those veggie faces were placed outside of doors to ward off evil spirits. More recently people have turned to pumpkin carving this time of year. And nobody could carve more pumpkins faster than Stephen Clarke.

In 2008, Stephen carved one ton of pumpkins—that’s 2,000 pounds of orange gourds—in just three hours, 33 minutes, and 49 seconds. During his record-setting performance in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Stephen carved a face on a pumpkin (complete with eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and eyebrows) in just 24.03 seconds! Both of these times are world records.

What’s the Score?

Stephen carved all kinds of faces in pumpkins during his world-record run. Smiley faces. Silly faces. Weird faces. Angry faces. Some people enjoy carving the likenesses of cartoon characters, political figures, or athletes into pumpkins. Today, people carve pumpkins for fun—not to fight off evil spirits.

Besides, only God has control over spirits. In the beginning of Christ’s ministry, he went into a town to preach. While he was in the synagogue teaching the people, a man possessed by an evil spirit began shouting, “I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24). Jesus told the man to be quiet and ordered the evil spirit to leave the man. Immediately the spirit left him. All the people were amazed by Jesus’ power. “Even evil spirits obey his orders!” the people said (Mark 1:27).

Pumpkins have no power over evil spirits. Jesus does. Jesus has power over everything on earth and in heaven. There’s nothing in your life that Jesus can’t help you overcome. Whenever you’re scared, confused, or don’t know what to do, pray to him and ask for him to give you his power.

On the Ball

Jesus cast out numerous evil spirits during his time on earth. Read about a couple of these instances in Mark 1:21-27 and Mark 5:1-13. Praise Jesus for his power.

Coach’s Comment

Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!” The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee. Mark 1:27-28