The Power of the Ball—that was the theme my son Ryan’s AAU high school basketball coach lived by. Ryan passed away several years later from leukemia, but that phrase—the Power of the Ball—has stayed with me ever since. Through my grief journey, I’ve found myself returning to these words and discovering new meanings in them. This is a phrase that deeply connects my faith and trust in our God.
THE DIRECTION OF THE GAME
In basketball, the ball helps to shape the direction of the game by forcing players to make decisions to pass, shoot, protect, and trust their teammates. The ball itself doesn’t have any power unless it is used the right way. The ball handler determines the ball’s impact.
WE ARE BALL HANDLERS
Just like in basketball, we become the ball handler at some point in our lives. Whether we are ready or not, God places abilities, opportunities, challenges, and resources in our life. Like in basketball, these things can change outcomes. Do we mishandle them, hold onto them too long, pass them, or use them to score? Luke 12:48 states, “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.”
RESPONSIBILITY INCREASES TRUST
This verse reminds us that responsibility increases trust. The coach puts you on the court because he trusts his player will handle the ball and make good decisions. In the same way, God trusts us in different ways. Some of us are given responsibility, influence, leadership, and resources. Others are given a voice that carries weight. And for some like me, that trust includes walking through grief and heartache.”
If you have been given the ball more often in life, it is God’s way of clarifying His trust in you. The ball in life is not to be used for self-glory. Handle the ball in faithfulness so that others can grow and so that God’s purpose is fulfilled.
TRUST GOD’S PURPOSE
My son’s coach also used to say, “You never know where the power of the ball will take you.” What once sounded like basketball advice now speaks life. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). The destination may be unclear, but we are to trust God’s purpose in it.
FAITHFULNESS
Ryan wasn’t measured by rebounds, points, or leukemia, but by how faithfully he handled the ball. In the same way, God measures our lives not by length or outcomes, but by faithfulness. How do we love, trust, and follow our Coach?
The Power of the Ball…what does it mean to you? God has placed the ball in your hands today. Will you trust Him enough to use its power for His glory?”