God's Coaching #125

God's Coaching #125

The first seat on the plane was empty. It belonged to Los Angeles Lakers captain and team leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But Kareem had injured his ankle so badly in game five of the 1980 NBA finals that he couldn’t make the trip for game six to play the 76ers in Philadelphia. The Lakers’ mood was glum. Without Kareem, they didn’t have a good chance of winning.

That’s when a rookie stepped up. Twenty-year-old Earvin “Magic” Johnson sat in his seat with his big trademark grin and told his team, “No fear. E.J. is here.” In Philly, he backed up his words. Magic was normally the point guard, but he played all over the court that night, including center where Kareem usually dominated. He made moves like Kareem, including the Big Man’s signature “skyhook.” That night Magic did it all, including pouring in nine points in the final 2:22. The Lakers won the game and claimed the NBA title. Magic’s performance was the best ever by an NBA rookie: 42 points, including 14 of 14 free throws, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Back home in California, Kareem danced around on his one good leg.

What’s the Score?

Magic Johnson was ready to lead, and he knew it. He didn’t hesitate; he stepped up and performed. We need to be ready like Magic in the game of life. Our time will come, even if it seems like it’s nowhere near. And now is the time to get ready.

The apostle Peter tells us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). We do that by staying close with God, reading his Word, talking with him, and getting to know him better. We also need to remember the big story of how he saved the world and how he’s writing that story in our lives. As we live out our faith, people will notice. And when they wonder what makes us different, we can explain God’s love and hope inside us. We don’t do that by arguing with people. We “do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV) by explaining what God means to us.

On the Ball

Get a piece of paper, and write the story of God’s work in your life. Write how you fit in his big story of the world. It will help you be prepared to tell others.

Coach’s Comment

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)