Weathering the Storm

Hi Everyone! I promised a couple of days ago that I would share this article which I wrote recently. I just now located it in my e-mail history, so excuse my being late. Hope you are blessed by it.

Coach Steve Kerr strategizing with the Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors were playing the Cleveland Cavaliers. Already into the second half of the game, the weary Warriors trailed by more than 20 points. Things didn’t look so good for the Warriors and the idea of them pulling back up just to equalize the score with their opposing team looked pretty dismal. The Cavaliers just kept causing one upset after another. Playing on their own home court with their own screaming fans, didn’t help. The Cavaliers could just do no wrong. The Cavaliers also had an impenetrable defense. Somehow, they kept stealing the ball, running to the other end of the court, then dunking it with much fanfare. All the while, their fans roared even more. With LeBron James at the helm, they were on a roll and nothing seemed to shake them. Every goal they scored just seemed to tighten the noose a little more around the necks of the Warriors.

But, then the Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, called a ”time out.” Interestingly, while the camera panned over the exhausted players, Kerr’s voice could be heard loud and clear. Here’s what I heard him say in so many words to his defeated team members.

Look at me! You’re going to be ok. Get your eyes off the scoreboard and keep your focus on the game. ALL of you are winners. Keep playing and just weather the storm. Now get out there and win this game!

Just … “weather the storm”. What incredible advice! It was just the jolt the team needed. Their confidence in their coach energized the Warriors and they rallied to the cause. The team that returned to the court that night was not the same team that desperately needed a ”time out.” Hadn’t they watched the replays? Hadn’t they watched when the Chicago Bulls had pulled off game after game and championship after championship when it was all too apparent that they were too far behind to catch up and win the game? Steve Kerr, a star player for the Chicago Bulls, had already weathered the storm time and time again. Now, the Warriors determined they would do likewise.

Slowly, but surely, the Warriors began to catch up. Little by little they began to score. The team began to synchronize with one mind and one heart and began to make amazing plays that baffled their opponents’ defense. As the scoreboard slowly, but steadily, crept upward, they added 2 points here and 3 points there. Finally, the Warriors’ confidence was almost palpable. The screaming fans didn’t seem to phase them anymore. All they could hear in their minds was the voice of Steve Kerr. With determination and persistence, the Warriors pulled past the Cavaliers and won the game. That year, they would eventually go on to take the NBA Championship as well.

Are you facing a storm? Some storms come suddenly. Others come with ferocity. Some seem to never end. But, don’t forget — you have one inside of you who has not only weathered the storm, but mastered it. He’s been through everything you’re facing and has never been defeated. Return to your quiet place and listen carefully. As you wait on the Lord, he will speak to you and you’ll a voice saying something like this…