God's Coaching #114

God's Coaching #114

Entering the 2010–2011 NBA basketball season, only five players had scored more than 70 points in a single game. How many of them can you name? If you said Kobe Bryant, that’s correct. Wilt Chamberlain is another. NBA greats Elgin Baylor and David Thompson also posted 70 in a game. And on this day in 1994, San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson dropped 71 points on the Los Angeles Clippers to help him win the season-long scoring crown.

Heading into the game, David needed to score at least 33 points to pass Shaquille O’Neal for the NBA scoring lead. He did more than twice that! David made 26 of 41 shots, including a three-pointer, and sank 18 free throws. He ended the season averaging 29.8 points per game. Shaq’s average was 29.3.

What’s the Score?

The seven-foot-one-inch center will be remembered as one of the best players in NBA history. But David didn’t always dominate on the court. He played only one year of high school basketball before attending the Naval Academy as a six-foot-four-inch forward. David grew seven inches in college and became a powerful center. He won two world championships with the Spurs, an MVP award, and countless other honors. But if you asked David about the greatest honor in his life, he would say it is serving Jesus Christ. Of course, that came with some challenges. He was often criticized for his faith, especially when his team was losing.

David never backed down, and he’d encourage you to do the same. “Don’t get discouraged, because God has a wonderful work waiting for you in a challenge and it may not be what you think,” David said. “Stand up and face your challenges whatever they are.” God has called each of us to a special work. The apostle Paul said in Acts 20:24, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me” (NIV). God wants all of us to tell people about the powerful difference he’s made in our lives. And he has other great plans for us as well . . . even if we never score 70 points in a game.

On the Ball

Think about the things you’ve accomplished in life or want to accomplish. All of those things are meaningless unless you’re living for Christ and finishing the race he has planned for you. Serving God is more important than any earthly honor.

Coach’s Comment

I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24 (NIV)