God's Coaching #298

God's Coaching #298

From 63 yards away, the uprights on an NFL goalpost look pretty skinny. That’s what Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam thought before his 63-yard field goal attempt on this day in 1998. Of course, NFL uprights are always 18-feet-6-inches apart. That’s plenty of room to kick a ball through. But from 63 yards, wind and a number of other factors make it a nearly impossible kick. Only one kicker—Tom Dempsey—had ever made one from that distance.

Denver led Jacksonville 24–10 with four seconds remaining in the first half. Originally, Jason ran onto the field to attempt a 58-yarder. But Denver coach Mike Shanahan decided to take a five-yard delay-of-game penalty so Jason could go for his record-tying kick. As Jason impacted the ball, he nearly slipped from the force of his kick. The low, line-drive kick tumbled through the air. Jason started running toward the end zone after the ball. As the ball split the uprights with plenty of room to spare, Jason thrust his arms into the air. He had just tied the NFL record for longest field goal ever made!

What’s the Score?

Jason said he could always crush a football with his foot. He didn’t start playing football until his sophomore year of high school and immediately discovered he had a strong leg. It was just a gift God had given him. Jason grew up in a Christian home. He knew about God, but he didn’t really have any direction in his life. Once Jason started reading his Bible and following God, the direction of his life started going straight.

The Bible says every good gift comes from God. God gave Jason the ability to kick a football. When Jason got the direction of his life going toward God, God gave him a platform to tell others about Jesus. Don’t forget, too, that God doesn’t change. We may wander, but he’ll always be fixed in place waiting for us to follow him. He’s even more consistent than the width of football uprights. He “does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV). That means we can count on him no matter what.

On the Ball

What direction is your life going? If you’re wandering aimlessly right now, make a plan. What’s one God-given gift you have? How can you use it for Jesus Christ?

Coach’s Comment

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)