God's Coaching #39

God's Coaching #39

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. Lindsey Vonn was the American poster girl for the 2010 Winter Olympics. No American had ever won the women’s downhill race. Lindsey was expected to do that and more. She carried the nation’s hopes for multiple gold medals in several races. But two weeks before the Vancouver Games, Lindsey crashed and badly injured her right shin. She couldn’t even put her ski boot on, so how could she recover in time to compete?

Lindsey tried to rest and heal, but the hype was huge. Her face appeared all over the news. The media swarmed. All of it tested Lindsey’s patience and endurance. Bad weather worked in her favor as the women’s downhill was postponed several times. Every day counted toward healing and improved her chances of competing.

On race day, Lindsey stood ready in the starting gate. American Julia Mancuso had just posted an excellent run, and Lindsey knew she had to go all out to win. She skied aggressively. Her leg hurt, and she came close to losing control on the last big jump. But Lindsey crossed the finish line more than a half-second faster than anyone else. She won the gold and burst into tears of relief and joy! It was an epic Olympic accomplishment.

What’s the Score?

Skiing in pain was not how Lindsey had planned her Olympics. Her injury was a big, unexpected obstacle. But she pressed through, and reaching her goal made it all worthwhile.

God doesn’t promise that we will always win the gold in life, but he does promise that if we “patiently endure testing and temptation,” we will “receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). It’s an excellent reminder that God works in the middle of our struggles. He uses those struggles to teach us and help us grow stronger. God doesn’t promise to take away all our problems or pain while we’re here on earth. But he does promise an eternal reward that makes it all worthwhile in the end. Hang on to that hope when you feel beat up by life.

On the Ball

Draw a picture of your struggles in life as a ski race. Put yourself on skis speeding over them with God’s help.

Coach’s Comment

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12