God's Coaching #332

God's Coaching #332

Would you keep playing your instrument or sport if you knew it could cost your life? That’s a real question that women on Afghanistan’s national soccer team had to answer. When the Taliban was in power, women and girls were not allowed to play sports in Afghanistan. The United States drove the Taliban out of power in 2001, but many of those cultural feelings toward women remained.

That didn’t stop some women from playing soccer. Some of those players, such as Khatol Shahzad Amarkhel, received death threats. Friends warned 19-year-old Sajay Sahar to quit, but she wouldn’t. She saw playing soccer as a form of protest and a challenge to the Taliban. The team practiced every other day, but they had to travel to other countries to play games. Team captain Zahra Mahmoodi wanted to show all Afghan girls that they could play sports.

What’s the Score?

Showing courage doesn’t mean you’re not afraid. It means you do the right thing even when you are afraid. God’s message to his people and their new leader, Joshua, was to take courage when they were on the verge of finally going into the land God had promised them. God also gave them a promise: “God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Does that message make you feel bold and brave? It should. When you have God on your side, you couldn’t have a better “teammate,” because God is bigger than any challenge or enemy we’ll face. He can see the big picture when we can’t. He can turn our bad into good. Afghan women played soccer for freedom. Their love for the game drove them through danger and fear. Our love for God can drive us through any fear and obstacle we face, too!

On the Ball

What’s your biggest fear? Draw a picture of God helping you beat it with his courage.

Coach’s Comment

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9