God's Coaching #40

God's Coaching #40

The two British teens wanted a challenge. For Rob Gauntlett and James Hooper, that meant something extreme. After graduating from high school, the two set out on a 26,000-mile journey from the North Pole to the South Pole. They planned to start north of Greenland, then ski and dogsled on thin ice. They wanted to bike through North and South America and finish by sailing into Antarctica.

What experience did Rob and James have? Not much. They had climbed Mount Everest before—with little experience, preparation, or funding. So they went into this trek the same way: little preparation or funding and no experience with dogsledding or sailing. But they had each other. And whether it was stupid or adventurous, that’s all they seemed to need.

Rob and James came near death a couple of times. Rob fell through the ice once. The whole journey was tough, but the two made it to the South Pole. After reaching the South Pole, they arrived in Sydney, Australia, 409 days after they started. They had looked death in the face and explored a huge portion of the earth. Plus, they inspired millions who watched along the way.

What’s the Score?

Rob and James didn’t back down from a challenge. Long ago in Old Testament times, two other friends wanted to go for a seemingly impossible challenge. The Israelites were close to the Promised Land, so they sent spies to scope it out. Most of the spies came back and reported that it was too scary, too wild, and too hard to go there. But that’s not the way Joshua and Caleb saw it. They said, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land!” Joshua and Caleb knew that if the people trusted God, they would experience a more amazing life than they could imagine. The Israelites’ faith was adventurous. They knew God would deliver what he promised. And they knew any risks in obeying him would pay off with blessings.

On the Ball

What do you feel God is calling you to do? Where have you been scared to follow him? Complete this list.

Risks/Hard Parts: Rewards/Good Parts:

Coach’s Comment

They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey.” Numbers 14:7-8