God's Coaching #16

God's Coaching #16

Hockey’s penalty shot is one of the most exciting plays in sports. It’s just shooter versus goalie. The puck sits at center ice until the offensive player skates up to control it. Then the goalie comes out from the net to gain a better blocking angle. The skater must continually move toward the net, faking and dekeing as he approaches. Finally, a shot is taken. With the quality of NHL goalies, it’s hard to score on a penalty shot. But at the 2009 All-Star Game, Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan made it look easy as he won the Elimination Shootout competition.

Shane won the competition in the seventh round after displaying a dizzying array of shots and moves. A player was eliminated if the goalie blocked the goal. The finals came down to Shane, Marc Savard of the Boston Bruins, and Colorado Avalanche’s Milan Hejduk. In the last round, Shane scored on a nifty bang-bang move as he slipped the puck between the goalie’s legs. Marc and Milan were both turned away in their attempts.

What’s the Score?

Shane grew up playing hockey in Halkirk, Alberta. Whether it was on a frozen pond, icy field, or community rink, Shane always had a pair of skates on his feet and a hockey stick in his hands. The only thing Shane was more passionate about than hockey was his relationship with Jesus Christ. While Shane was growing up, his parents were the directors of Circle Square Ranch, a Christian summer camp. Shane helped out as a counselor and even as a horsemanship instructor.

When Shane saw some of his friends get into things that went against his beliefs, he stayed close to Jesus. “The thing that it comes down to for me is Jesus loves you,” Shane said. “Jesus loves you exactly the way you are, and he’ll continue to love you no matter what.”

The disciple John put it this way: “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10). When Shane thought about God’s amazing love and sacrifice, he couldn’t help but love God back and follow him with his life.

On the Ball

Take a moment to think about God’s love for you. “Jesus loves you” sounds like a simple statement, but there’s so much meaning packed into it. Pray and thank God for his love and for the great sacrifice he made for you.

Coach’s Comment

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10