God's Coaching #307

God's Coaching #307

Ryan Hall qualified for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics by shattering the US Olympic marathon trials record—and it was only the second marathon he had ever run! Ryan’s accomplishment set the running world buzzing. It had been years since any American was a real threat to win a world-class marathon. Ryan didn’t win Olympic gold like he’d hoped, but he finished a respectable 10th.

Disappointing? Yes, but Ryan knew there was much more to his running than winning. “Running is my way to really worship the Lord,” he said. “I believe the Lord can do something amazing, but I want to have my heart in a place where I’m content with whatever the outcome will be.”

Running was also the platform Ryan and his wife, Sara, used to serve the poor and encourage others to do the same. The couple partnered with World Vision and Invisible Children to help recreational runners raise money to bring clean water and medical treatment to Africa and to serve the poor in the United States.

What’s the Score?

God cares a lot about poor people and those who get pushed to the bottom of the world’s social order. It’s easy for us to think a homeless person is being lazy or that poor people should just get a job. It’s also easy for us to want new clothes and cool electronics from fancy shopping malls—and easy not to think about poor people in other countries who made those items.

Jesus told a story in Matthew 25 about blessing and cursing people based on how they helped him when he was hungry, thirsty, alone, naked, sick, and in prison. Everyone asked with surprise, “When did we see you like that?” Jesus’ answer cut straight to the point. He said whatever you do for the lowliest people, you do for him. The good news is, with a little attention, we can find lots of ways to help others—and show our love for Jesus at the same time.

On the Ball

Look around and find a way to help some people with big needs. Maybe you can run a race and raise money for orphans or to provide clean water. Maybe you can pack snacks or basic necessities into bags for homeless people. List three ideas here:

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Coach’s Comment

The King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Matthew 25:40