God's Coaching #49

God's Coaching #49

Kelly Clark boosted higher out of the half-pipe than any other woman at the 2002 Winter Olympics, and she grabbed the United States’ first women’s snowboarding gold medal ever. It was the highlight of a year in which Kelly won every competition she entered, including the Winter X Games. She was 18 and had reached all her life goals. Not long after that . . . she was totally empty and unhappy. She was ready to quit snowboarding. She didn’t even know if she wanted to live. That’s when Kelly met Jesus Christ.

Kelly returned to the Olympics in Torino in 2006 and in Vancouver in 2010. Both times she rocked praise music over the loudspeakers during her runs. And there was that sticker, right on the nose of her board for the whole world to see. It said, “Jesus, I cannot hide my love.”

There were no gold repeats for Kelly. She finished fourth in 2006 and claimed a bronze medal in 2010. Was she disappointed? Sure. Kelly was a tough competitor and one of the best in the world. But she was much more satisfied with life because of her relationship with God, no matter what color medal she won.

What’s the Score?

A professional snowboard is prime real estate. It’s where pros put stickers of their sponsors who pay them big bucks. The stickers are marks of their identities and loyalties. That’s why Kelly’s board was the perfect place for her to announce her love and devotion to Jesus.

The apostle Paul might have done that if he snowboarded. He said, “I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ” (Romans 1:16). He couldn’t help but tell people about all Jesus had done for him and what Jesus could do for them, too. How about you? You might have a different way to reach out to others than Paul or Kelly. That’s the way talking about Jesus should be—you don’t have to memorize somebody else’s speech. Just be natural, talking about how Jesus works in your life.

On the Ball

What’s your thing: sports, music, art, debate, Scouts? Think of three ways you can show and share your love for Jesus in natural ways.

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Coach’s Comment

I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Romans 1:16