God's Coaching #330

God's Coaching #330

The game looked hopeless for Auburn fans. The Tigers trailed 24–0 midway through the second quarter in the 2010 Iron Bowl. That’s what the annual football game between Auburn and Alabama is called. These universities first played each other in 1893, and many people think it’s the biggest rivalry in college football.

Early on, the 2010 game went all Alabama’s way. The Crimson Tide scored three touchdowns in the first quarter and added a field goal in the second. Auburn was supposed to be the favorite. The Tigers were undefeated and ranked second in the nation, thanks to their Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback, Cam Newton. But the Tigers faced their biggest deficit of the season and were playing in Alabama’s home stadium, where the Tide hadn’t lost in 20 games!

Auburn’s coaches and quarterback steadied their team. Cam threw a touchdown pass before halftime. Then on the first drive of the second half, Cam connected with Terrell Zachery for a 70-yard score. Momentum swung Auburn’s way. With 11:55 left in the fourth quarter, Cam completed his third touchdown pass to put Auburn on top for good. The Tigers won the game 28–27. Auburn fans called it the greatest Iron Bowl ever. The Tigers never gave up, and their determination paid off with an incredible victory that kept them marching toward a national championship.

What’s the Score?

It’s easy to give up when you’re way behind. You can feel the defeat seeping in, and everything inside says you should quit. Maybe your math grade is so low that you don’t think you’ll ever pull it up. Maybe you’ve hurt a friend’s feelings so deeply it seems like you’ll never be friends again.

When you start to feel that way, don’t give up! Don’t get tired of doing good. Paul tells us we’ll eventually see some results from our efforts. “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9). God will reward our obedience. We may not see our reward until heaven, but other times we’ll see results sooner. Even when we’re struggling, God sees how we’re trying. Ask for his strength, and then keep going!

On the Ball

Are you tempted to give up on something? Don’t quit. Talk to your parents, and ask for help. Pray to God for his strength to keep going.

Coach’s Comment

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9