“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.” 2 John 1:3 (ESV)

Illustrious basketball coach John Beilein uses the term “hunting your shot” to explain how players must learn not only to take shots but how to find them when guarded. He loves guiding players to do just that. 

Finding your shot is the greater pursuit. This is especially true when defenses are really good and they know you can fill it up. If you are a particularly potent perimeter shooter, learning to “hunt good threes” beyond the arc is key.

The apostle Paul coaches us in a similar manner to Coach B. Like three-point field goals, all of us understand the value of grace, mercy and peace in our lives and want them badly. Those are buckets we critically need. 

What we don’t always know is how to find them, where to find them when we need them. We don’t know how to “hunt for threes.” And we can’t afford to take bad shots in life.

Paul reminds us in today’s Scripture how to find this three-pointer in life. So does the apostle John. They both declare that grace, mercy and peace come “from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.“ 

God the Father creates these “scoring opportunities” for us, highlighting them in His Word, the Bible. So let’s really get to know His heart and mind. And Jesus empowers us by showing the way, setting the example, so watch His game film carefully.

Here is a trio of specific Scripture pointers if you’re wanting to be great at “hunting for threes”:

• Approach God’s throne each day with confidence, “that you may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need“ (Hebrews 4:16). Our Father loves to dole grace and mercy out. It freely comes when we humbly present ourselves before Him, before His Word, before His throne, His presence, in honest, open confession. So find your way to the arc, the throne of God, and confess.

• Finding soul rest, inner peace, is not found in a circumstance or medication. It’s ultimately found in a Person. Learn of Jesus. Learn from Him. Ardently study His life like you would study film on Steph Curry or Duncan Robinson hunting threes. “You will find rest for your soul“ (Matthew 11:28-30).

• What helps us hunt and find our threes (grace, mercy, peace) is truth and love. That potent trifecta rides on the wings of God’s truth and love. They build the highway to mercy, grace, peace. 

Accepting and believing all God‘s truth about self, others and this world is radical, powerful, effectual. It must be obeyed. And God’s love helps us embrace and follow the truth we so desperately need. Truth and love help us take and make good threes (2 John 1:3).

Bottom line: Hunting for threes and scoring in life means finding mercy, grace and peace. That comes best from God and rides the wings of truth and love. That’s a formula for big time buckets and joy in the journey.

Reflect: How much do you need mercy, grace, and peace today? What truth of God do you need to hear today and apply in obedience?

A prayer to consider: Holy Father, I confess my fresh need for Your mercy, grace and peace to be applied to my heart for my restoration, others’ benefit and Your glory. I am sinful, weak, needy. You are altogether strong, wise and good.

Keep pointing me to truth and love by the Spirit and the Word, even Jesus our Lord. Coach me up again today and grant me victory in life. I’m counting on You to score in me, through me.

In the Name of the One who never could be beaten, I pray. Amen.