The Gospel According to Kobe Bryant
18. Jun, 2010 
11 Comments
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? – Psalm 121:1
Kobe is a beast.
This is coming from someone who stopped following the NBA some time ago. Just how out of tune am I with the NBA? The last time I really watched the NBA was when Penny Hardaway played for the Orlando Magic. Yep, that long. In case you’re wondering, my favorite teams were the Orlando Magic, the Seattle Supersonics, and the Chicago Bulls. I never really was a fan of the Lakers, but I did buy 8 boxes of economy size pillows so my jaw can land on cushions the next time I watch Kobe play.
One thing about him specifically caught my attention:
He crashed the boards. Repeatedly. For the non-slang-using non-basketball-watchers, crashing the boards means running to the baskets to get rebounds – regardless of who shoots the ball. I watched Kobe jump higher and fight harder for loose balls in the paint. His persistence paid off, as he left with not just another trophy, but with double digit rebounds. Regardless if you’re a Lakers lover or Celtics cheerer, every Believer can learn an important lesson from Minister Bryant:
Crash the boards.
You’re going to have to take shots in this game of life. Many will go in the hoop; maybe more so will miss it. Regardless what you think the ball will do, we often times can’t fully control the ball, but we can control our actions and reactions. Crash the boards. Be ready for the plan to not meet success. Instead of falling in pity at a missed shot, run with determination to get back in momentum and shoot again. We can have purposeful plans all we want, but they’re not always going to succeed. We may immediately plan, but God ultimately directs (Proverbs 19:21). A failed plan is not a sign of a failed prayer; it’s just a sign that God is in control and He still has us in the game. Kobe understand this in the game of basketball. We should exercise it in the game of life.
One more fact jumped at me in watching Kobe jump for the ball. He never caught a rebound by staring the the floor. You can’t recover if your head is hung. If you want second chances, your eyes must be focused beyond the hills. Why stare at the hills? David answered that question with a question:
From where does my help come?
When David said he’d lift up his eyes to the hills, it didn’t mean he stared at the hills for help. He was looking beyond the hills for the God Who is higher than any hill. He’s higher than any molehill disguised as a mountain. He’s higher than cancer. Higher than broken marriages. Higher than pornography. Higher than addiction. Higher than obesity. Higher than high cholesterol. Higher than corrupt government.
Higher than you and your mistakes.
Good job on that shot you just took. It may not go in the hoop. So why are you standing around?
Look to Jesus. Crash the boards.
though the righteous fall 7 times…. they keep reboundin and crashing the boards =]
just look at ron artest. LOL
My recent post 6.17.10 back2back.
That's a beasty comment, Patricia. I have to preach the Gospel Sunday…I just might include that in my sermon! I'll quote you.
Do. It.
Im actually gonna blog about ron artest too. lots of lessons to be
learned by that crazy guy
I pray God fills u w/ wisdom and gives you His words to share with His
people on Sunday.
Wow..thanks, Nat.
WOW! I feel like crashing some boards right now!!!! Great words!
My recent post Service or Spin?
Rebounds and Righteousness are always in order, Elder!
wow! love it
Nat! This post is awesome on so many LEVELS!
"We may immediately plan, but God ultimately directs (Proverbs 19:21). A failed plan is not a sign of a failed prayer; it’s just a sign that God is in control and He still has us in the game." <—–I needed that reminder! Thank you!
Side note: I feel like an idiot cause this is the first time I clicked on one of your links to this blog…I didn't realize it was YOUR blog! I must catch up! Keep Shining!
Talisha, all I can do is laugh. Thank you for FINALLY taking a peak at my internet ministry. Love you, sis!
great blog!!