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What it takes to be a Great Coach

The Lord tells us that we will have many trials and sorrows; that affliction is to come.  My stomach turns when I think of that sincere warning.  Has anyone ever told you that something bad was going to happen to you before it happened?  It almost seems to make things worse for you because you anticipate something bad is coming. You believe this person so you expect that their words are a sincere warning.  He precedes this warning with “I have spoken this to you that you may have peace.”  Peace!?  Why is it I felt a sense of uneasiness instead of peace? 
Jesus is like a coach. He studies the tapes of the opposing teams. He learns their best moves and then he reports back to His own team.  He equips us with knowledge and tactics to respond to the opposition. He wants us to know what’s coming, not to frighten us, but to properly prepare and arm us so we have a better chance at being victorious.  That is the responsibility of a great coach.  He makes sure that he does everything he can to give us the advantage.  He knows it is better for us to practice our counter, than to be surprised during the game.  He understands our strengths and weaknesses. He knows when to put us in and when to call “sub.” He knows when we need a time-out and pep talk.  He is there always cheering us on and expecting the win.  He is even there when we mess up, drop the ball or accidentally step out of bounds.  He encourages us that all is not lost, that we will get another chance at victory.  There is always another game, another season, another opportunity for triumph. Why? Because the Bible tells us that the enemy never sleeps.  But thank God for timeouts, subs, off-seasons, and a great coach who always knows what’s best for His players. And we can all attest that there have been some amazing coaches: Wooden, Riley, Dungy, Jackson…but the comforting difference between them and Jesus Christ is that JC’s record is still undefeated and going strong. 
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken that you may have peace.  In the world you will have affliction but take courage, I have overcome the world. 

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