God's Coaching #88

God's Coaching #88

Moving to another state is tough. You leave behind old friends and everything you’ve known. But it can be even tougher when a professional sports team moves. On this day in 1984, Baltimore Colts fans awoke to some shocking news: their beloved team was gone. The night before, in the wee hours of the morning, the team had packed its belongings and left for Indianapolis in a fleet of trucks.

The Colts had been one of the NFL’s greatest franchises, winning the 1958 and 1959 world championships and the 1971 Super Bowl. They were adored by Baltimoreans. But when the team struggled in the late 1970s and early 1980s, attendance dropped. To make matters worse, Colts’ owner Robert Irsay couldn’t convince the city to help him finance renovations to old Memorial Stadium. So when Indianapolis showed interest in becoming the Colts’ new home, Robert jumped at the chance, forever breaking Baltimore’s heart and outraging many fans.

What’s the Score?

To this day, many fans of the old Baltimore Colts feel betrayed. Any move is hard. But Robert believed the best thing for his team was to relocate to Indiana. The Bible talks about a lot of moves. After Jesus was born, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said to get out of Bethlehem and go to Egypt (Matthew 2:13).That night, Joseph got up and moved Mary and Jesus.

Jesus’ move to Egypt saved his life. The Colts’ move to Indianapolis may have helped save the team. They weren’t getting the money they needed to be competitive in Baltimore, so they moved to a place where they could thrive. It was difficult for both cities at first. Of course, once Baltimore got the Ravens and the Colts started playing well, people felt better.

Has Jesus ever called your family to move? Maybe you moved to a new country to spread God’s love. Maybe your dad got a new job that forced your family to relocate. Even when it’s difficult to transition to a new place, trust God. He’s with you wherever you go . . . even when you move to a new home.

On the Ball

Think of a time of transition in your life. Maybe it was a move to a new state, a new school, or a new church. Did you fight the move or accept it? Whenever you have to make a move, remember that God is with you and knows what’s best for your life.

Coach’s Comment

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. Matthew 2:13