God's Coaching #38

God's Coaching #38

No one would have blamed you for turning off the TV after the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002. The New England Patriots had a 17–3 lead over the St. Louis Rams. The outcome of the game was decided—or was it?

The favored Rams came to life in the fourth quarter. They scored a touchdown about five minutes into the quarter to cut the Patriots’ lead to a touchdown. Late in the game, Rams quarterback Kurt Warner put together an amazing drive that ended in another Rams touchdown. Suddenly the game was tied 17–17 with only 1:30 on the clock.

Would the Patriots play it safe by running out the clock and going for overtime? Nope, they went for the win. With second-year quarterback Tom Brady behind center, New England moved the ball downfield. With six seconds left, Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri came on for a 48-yard field goal attempt. Patriots fans held their breath as the ball was snapped. Adam sent the ball sailing. He raised his arms immediately. The kick was good! The Patriots were Super Bowl champions.

What’s the Score?

Adam faced a high-pressure kick. His skills were put to the test in that one moment of fame or failure. It’s what he had practiced for his whole life. He was ready to make it count.

Your faith will be tested in similar big moments when success or failure is on the line. Maybe it will be an opportunity to go on a mission trip or to change a life by making friends with someone who really needs one. Maybe it will be resisting a temptation to do drugs or to get into a relationship that pulls you away from God. First Peter 1:7 says, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine.” These challenges are like fire to gold—it makes it more pure. Whenever you feel the heat in life, remember that God is using these circumstances to refine your character and to make you more like him. Be ready, and make the most of your big moments.

On the Ball

Practice now for tests that will come later. What will you do when

• someone offers you drugs?

• a friend tries to show you pornography?

• friends pressure you to lie to your parents?

Coach’s Comment

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:7