Rebounds
PHILIPPIANS 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
In basketball, one of the most important skills a player can have is the ability to rebound. Obviously, rebounds occur only after a missed shot—no miss, no need for a rebound. What causes players to miss field goals or free throws? One reason players miss shots is that their perspective can be off. They may have been looking at the goal, but they misjudged the distance or the angle or the timing. They were unable to sink the basket because there was not an accurate correlation between what they perceived and what they needed to do. Another reason shots are missed in basketball games is that the opposing team is in a player’s face. A defender’s job is to wave their hands in the shooter’s face and obstruct their view. They are supposed to provide a distraction. Sometimes shots are missed because a player is fouled.
Defenders commit fouls when they bump or shove the offensive players, preventing them from making the shot. Coaches teach beginning players to follow their shots. In other words, after players shoot the ball, they should position themselves to go for a rebound if they miss. No player would walk off the court or throw in the towel because they have missed a shot. A good player will go back up for the ball and retrieve it and shoot again or pass to another player. In the Bible, we find plenty of stories of people who missed shots. Many of God’s servants missed their target and had to deal with the consequences of missing their shot. In fact, a study of the Word of God will reveal that God used many people who were on the rebound. You may feel as if you’ve missed a shot or two along the way. We all do. The important thing to remember is this: Don’t quit. Don’t walk off the court. Don’t throw in the towel. Go for the rebound, my friend, because God has a way of turning a missed shot into a miracle if you’ll let Him.
Lord, You know I’ve blown it from time to time. You know better than I do when I’ve missed shots and what caused me to be off the mark. Please protect me from discouragement and despair. Direct my heart and my thoughts to You, for You are a God of rebounds.
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