Chris Paul entered the NBA in 2005 and now at the age of 36 is one win away from playing in his first NBA Finals. His Phoenix Suns have a 3-2 series lead over the LA Clippers in the Western Conference Finals with Game 6 tonight in LA.
Despite being one of the best point guards to ever play the game, he’s yet to lead his team to the Finals, and at this stage of his career, this might be his last chance to add that to his legacy.
Paul has played well all season for the Suns and was an MVP candidate, but he’s also playing alongside very talented young stars, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton. Helping those guys develop and take the next step, the team has built great chemistry.
As excited and hungry as Paul is to get to the NBA Finals, his teammates are motivated to help him win and are playing hard for him so he can experience the breakthrough he’s been waiting for.
NBA fans (even beyond Suns fans) are rooting for him to taste the big stage after 16 years in the league and go get that championship victory.
It’s interesting when teammates (and fans) hope to see a certain player win and are inspired to do what they can to support him. Similarly, we as followers of Jesus, have the opportunity to pray hard for someone else to experience a breakthrough.
Coming alongside someone and praying for them, rooting for them, and doing what we can to support them is a privilege. For the people in our lives who don't know Jesus, we absolutely want to pray that they would taste the victory found in Him.
Fans and players passionately want something for Chris Paul, but the question for us to ask ourselves is, do we passionately want others to know God, repent, be saved, and encounter His love?
The Apostle Paul in Romans 10:1 (NLT) shared his heart by writing, “Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.”
He also writes to a different audience explaining another prayer in Colossians 1:9 (ESV):
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…”
Are we intentional about faithfully seeking God and praying for others? Do we demonstrate our love for people by praying for them - especially their spiritual needs and breakthroughs?
Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton hope to see Chris Paul win, and if he does, they experience the NBA Finals too! Similarly, while we’re praying for someone else, we’ll be changed as well.
Job experienced this as we're told in Job 42:10 (CSB): “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions.”
Praying for others is powerful! Tonight, as we watch the Suns play for Chris Paul, let's decide who we’ll pray for and then watch God move in their lives and ours as we both experience breakthroughs.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please put the people on my heart You want me to pray for. I desire to see others know You and experience You. I pray I would come alongside those who need help in finding victory in You. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
Who are you inspired to pray for to experience a spiritual breakthrough?
What has your prayer life been like regarding praying for others?
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