The Golden State Warriors are clearly the best team in the NBA and the favorites to win the Championship again this year. Even so, they must first get through the regular season by staying motivated until the playoffs.

With four All-Stars on his team, most of us probably think Head Coach Steve Kerr’s job is pretty easy. But after losing three of four games, Kerr admitted the team isn’t listening to him. He recently made this comment: “I have not reached them for the last month.”

In order to switch things up, Kerr decided to have a few of his players coach the team during timeouts last night. He gave them an opportunity to draw up plays, offer strategy, and give advice. As a result, the Warriors went on to beat the Suns 129-83.

Although Kerr isn’t going to permanently hand in his clipboard, the decision to allow a few of his players to speak to the other teammates proved to be worthwhile.

Despite being given the chance to coach last night, the players stuck with Kerr’s overall message and vision for the team. The only thing that was different was the messenger.

When we follow Jesus, God speaks to us in multiple ways: through His Word, prayer, music, sermons, books, and devotionals…as well as, directly to our hearts.

God’s message is also delivered to us through other people. He uses friends and family members, or sometimes even strangers, to be the messengers of what He wants us to hear.

When If we are blocking out what God is trying to reveal, He may choose others to get through to us. we test what is being said, by making sure it lines up with God’s truth and vision for our lives, we can confidently receive what they tell us.

There’s a story in the Old Testament involving Moses and his father-in-law, Jethro. God had rescued Israel while empowering Moses as their leader, but Jethro was concerned about all that Moses was doing for the people.

This great example is found in Exodus 18:17-24: “’This is not good!’ Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. ‘You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you.

‘If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.’

“Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.”

Today, let’s listen for God’s voice so we know what steps to take next and what message He wants us to hear. Let’s be open to advice and wisdom from others, while making sure it lines up with God’s commands and will for our lives.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for speaking directly to me, and also for using those around me to be a messenger. I pray I’d hear the word You have for me and that I’d clearly know it’s from You. Help me be open to listening to others when their advice reflects Your Word. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.