God's Coaching #34

God's Coaching #34

The New York Giants needed somebody to make a play. On this day in 2008, the Giants trailed the New England Patriots 14–10, with only 2:42 left in Super Bowl LXII. New England had entered the game with a perfect 18–0 record and was trying to make history as the second undefeated team in NFL history. Could the Giants make a comeback?

Giants quarterback Eli Manning started marching his team down the field. With just over a minute left, the Giants faced third-and-five. New England’s defensive line collapsed the pocket quickly, and a Patriot defender grabbed Eli’s jersey. But Eli somehow broke free and flung the ball downfield. Wide receiver David Tyree leaped and grabbed the hanging pass. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison hit David in the air and tried to knock the ball out. But David fell and somehow pinned the ball to the top of his helmet for a first down! It was an unbelievable completion.

Three plays later the Giants scored a touchdown and won the Super Bowl 17–14. Many people called David’s catch the greatest play ever.

What’s the Score?

In Romans 12:9, the Bible tells us to “hold tightly to what is good”—just like David held on to that ball. There was no way he was letting go of that football even when he was hit and battered in the air.

Sometimes it feels like the devil’s tacklers are slamming you to the ground. They do all they can to get you to let go of your grip on God. Your enemy would like nothing more than for you to treat other people badly or to compromise your faith. Sometimes wrong behaviors look tempting. God doesn’t want you to even entertain ideas of sinning; God wants you to hate what is wrong and to hold on to him. Grab on to God like your hands are made of glue. Hold on to your faith like a Super Bowl victory depends on it. That’s your greatest play.

On the Ball

Dive into your playbook, the Bible. Choose and read one whole book of the Bible today.

Coach’s Comment

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9