God's Coaching #334

God's Coaching #334

Børge Ousland had a love for ice and snow. In November 1996, the Norwegian polar explorer started out to cross Antarctica alone with no support or resupply. In a superheated snowcat, right? you might think. Or at least on a snowmobile. Nope, on foot, with cross-country skis. For 64 days, Børge towed a sled with his supplies through temperatures down to negative 68°F. He passed the South Pole and reached the far side of Antarctica 1,768 miles later. Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. Not for the man National Geographic Adventure has called “arguably the most accomplished polar explorer alive!”

Børge’s other accomplishments included being the first human to ski alone to each of the earth’s poles, the first to reach the North Pole in winter, and the first to cross the Arctic alone. The guy just couldn’t get enough of wintry, long-distance adventures. After a 2007 journey crossing the Arctic islands of Russia’s Franz Josef Land, Børge sailed back to southern Norway—and then rode his bike the remaining 775 miles home to Oslo!

What’s the Score?

Don’t you love snow days? It’s fun to get a day off school, but can you imagine 64 snow days in a row—without a cozy fireplace? Just a wintry, white wonderland. When you think about it, snow is so cool. It falls silently. It’s cold, pure, and beautiful as it blankets the earth.

That’s probably why God used it to paint a picture of his forgiveness. God says he washes away our sins to make us as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). That’s pure white, clean, and fresh. All our ugly sin is washed away by beautiful forgiveness. The next time you get a snow day, look out your window or roll over from making a snow angel and remember God’s amazing forgiveness. Thank him for washing you as white as the snow!

On the Ball

Confess your sins to God and feel great knowing he forgives you and cleans your heart. If there’s snow outside, go build a snowman to celebrate!

Coach’s Comment

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Isaiah 1:18