Saturday night provided us another classic in the amazing rivalry between UNC and Duke. UNC controlled most of the game with double-digit leads, winning the rebounding battle, and forcing Duke’s Vernon Carey Jr. to foul out of the game.
Despite UNC’s strong performance for most of the first 38 minutes, they allowed a nine-point lead to evaporate with 2:06 left in regulation. This included UNC going 5 for 10 from the free-throw line in the final 71 seconds.
Duke’s point guard, Tre Jones, took over the game down the stretch, hitting shot after shot, including a buzzer-beater that sent the teams into overtime.
Overtime was intense with both teams in position to win, but Duke had the ball last and Wendell Moore hit an incredible layup off a rebound (airball) to seal the victory as seconds expired.
Although this was a thrilling win for Duke on the road (especially after struggling for most of the game), it turned out to be a very tough loss for UNC.
There were multiple mistakes pointing to why they fell short, but there was one glaring issue that ultimately cost them the game: 17 missed free throws and 55% shooting from the free-throw line.
If you're a Duke fan like me, you didn't mind seeing UNC leave all of those points off the board while their many trips to the line resulted in missed opportunities.
Whatever the reasons (being distracted, letting the pressure take over, not taking practice seriously, not following through, coming up short instead of extending, shooting too strong, or overthinking it), their missed free throws made all the difference in letting the game slip away.
UNC only lost by two points, but missed 17 free throws!
Admittedly, every one of us has missed opportunities that we let slip away. Each day we step to the “free throw line” with the chance to show others compassion, to give, to serve, to forgive, share an encouraging word, to sacrificially love our spouses, to spend quality time with our kids...and most importantly, to tell others about Jesus.
But, are we not taking advantage of the "free throw line" because we’re distracted or not taking these opportunities seriously? Are we extending a helping hand...or coming up short? Are we simply showing others compassion...or overthinking it?
UNC players didn’t need to be perfect from the line, but they did need to be reliable and consistent if they wanted to beat a more talented Duke team.
We don’t have to be perfect either, but we can be reliable and consistent with our own “free throws.” Instead of letting the opportunities slip away, we can allow them to make a difference in the lives of others.
Galatians 6:10 (ESV) gives us this challenge: "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Colossians 4:5 (AMP) tells us to "Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity ."
1 John 3:17 New Living Translation (NLT) explains that "If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?"
Today, let's knock down our "free throws" and take full advantage of the opportunities in front of us to serve, give, and show others the love and grace of Jesus.
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would give me opportunities to love others well, show compassion, give, and serve. I pray I wouldn't let those chances slip away. Please help me to be aware of the opportunities You're giving me. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What "free throws" are the hardest for you to make?
What is a specific opportunity you know you have right now to serve, give, or tell others about Jesus?
コメント