God's Coaching #185

God's Coaching #185

One of the most touching moments in sports history took place on July 4, 1939, when Lou Gehrig retired. The New York Yankees first baseman was one of the best players in the game. It wasn’t that he wanted to retire. He had to. Lou had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It’s a disease of the brain and spine that causes the muscles to slowly quit working. There’s no cure, and Lou knew it would painfully break down his body and kill him.

But Lou wasn’t bitter. He was thankful. He spoke to the full stadium and said, “Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth.” He thanked everyone for his opportunities in baseball and for the blessings in his life. Everyone cried. Babe Ruth walked over, put his arm around Lou, and spoke to his former teammate for the first time in five years. Lou died only two years later. He is still remembered as one of the greatest players of all time—and for his kindness and gracious attitude.

What’s the Score?

Lou epitomized 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” He could have been bitter and angry. He could have focused on all he was losing. No one would have blamed him. Instead he kept his attention on all the goodness he had experienced.

That’s the kind of attitude God calls us to have. We will all face bad times, and they can sometimes feel overwhelming. But with God’s help, we can find good to focus on. If nothing else, we can be thankful because God will always be there for us. And that makes us some of the most blessed people on earth.

On the Ball

Start thanking God no matter what is going on in your life. Focus on his goodness, and let him fill your heart with thankfulness.

Coach’s Comment

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18