The Coach’s Voice

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5:32-33

The basketball bounced into Stephanie’s outstretched hands. Her heart pounded with excitement as she scooted around the other team’s players. She heard someone yell, “Play number five!” Stephanie recognized the voice of Coach Swanson and remembered the play they had practiced. But the game is almost over, and the basket is so close, she thought. With a quick pivot turn, she took a shot at the basket—but the defense had closed in, and her shot bounced off the rim. The crowd groaned as a tall girl on the other team grabbed the ball and started dribbling fast toward the opposite end of the court.

After the game, Coach Swanson sat down on the bench beside Stephanie. “Did you hear me call the play number?” she asked.

“Yes,” Stephanie admitted, “but I thought I had the perfect chance to make some points! I’m sorry.”

Coach Swanson nodded. “I think you’ve learned a good lesson. Next time I’m sure you’ll listen.”

Stephanie went to the locker room, changed her clothes, and ran out to ride home with her dad. “Good game, Steph,” he said.

“I shouldn’t have tried for that last basket,” Stephanie replied sadly. “I feel awful. I heard Coach Swanson call a play, and I should have done what she said.”

“I think I know how you feel,” said Dad. “I’m afraid I don’t always listen to my coach either.”

Stephanie gave Dad a puzzled glance. “I didn’t know you had a coach. Who’s your coach?”

“God,” Dad replied. “There are times when I know God wants me to do something, but I seem to think I have a better plan than He does, so I do things my way.”

Stephanie sighed. “That sounds like me.”

“It sounds like all of us,” said Dad. “We often want to go our own way instead of God’s, which is why we need Jesus to forgive us and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us. He wants what’s best for us, and when He tells us to do something through the Bible or the Holy Spirit’s leading, we need to trust Him.”

Stephanie smiled. “I’m glad Coach Swanson let me stay in the game. I learned a lesson I’ll never forget—and I’ll remember it when I know God is telling me something.” • Julie J. Brooks

How About You?

Do you hear God’s voice through His Word and through His Holy Spirit? Do you feel Him urging you to turn from sin and do what’s right? Do you follow His leading, or do you go your own way instead? Jesus died and rose again to save you, and His plan for your life is much better than yours. Whatever it is He wants you to do, listen to Him and obey His voice.

Today’s Key Verse:
Joshua 24:24 The Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Listen to God and obey