Sermon Illustrations

WOODEN'S ATTITUDE

Coach John Wooden at U.C.L.A. won 665 games in 27 seasons and 10 NCAA titles during his last 12 seasons, including 7 in a row from 1967 to 1973. His UCLA teams also had a record winning streak of 88 games, four perfect 30-0 seasons, and won 38 straight games in NCAA

Tournaments. UCLA’s 47 game winning streak came to an end in January 1968 when the Bruins were beaten by Houston in the Astrodome 71-69 on national TV. And at the end of the game there was a controversial call that went against UCLA and they lost in the final seconds.

Afterwards, moments after that upsetting loss John Wooden had a microphone thrust into his face and he was asked, "Coach do you think that call lost the game for you and ended your winning streak?'"Coach Wooden just smiled that smile that would kind of crinkle up his whole face and he said, "Well, you never know about those things...There probably was a call or two that went our way...I just want to congratulate Houston’s coach and the Houston players for an excellent game."

Just as John Wooden knew the right attitude to display in the wake of a high-stress and unnerving circumstance, even so you must respond with a God pleasing attitude in wake of your overwhelming trials.

Related Sermon Illustrations

Related Sermons