Skip to main content

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. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Stop Expecting the blessing to be the Blesser

For lack of a better word and to prevent a miscommunication of the main concept, Blesser : refers to the Almighty God – Creator of Heaven and Earth; omnipotent and ever-present and powerful Being.   Blessing : refers to everything and every one God has ever placed in your life to increase your value and to provide you fulfillment.     Blessings are all around us. They take many shapes and forms.   Blessings flow from the Blesser.   Your spouse is a blessing.   Yet sometimes you may expect him to be your God.   You may be expecting your spouse to perform duties only God can perform for you.   You may be expecting your spouse to fill a void, an emptiness you feel when only the Blesser can satisfy those requests.   There is no wonder why there is so much strain on our relationships.   Do not be confused on where your provisions are truly coming from.   Your job is a blessing.   Whatever way you are being provided for economica...
Post a Comment
Read more

You Reap What You Sow

If you are lacking in any area of your life it is probably the area where you have been most selfish.   Remember, you must give in order to receive - and in that order. We must stop being so selfish, lest we block our own blessing. You can neither take from a clenched fist, nor deposit anything in it.       When we ask God for wisdom, patience, love, forgiveness, mercy or kindness, what we are really doing is asking God to give us opportunities where we can seek wisdom, have patience, show kindness, give love, offer forgiveness, be merciful and kind to others.   At that point, it is up to us to rise to the occasion and exhibit these characteristics.   We are a work in progress.   I asked the Lord for a triple portion of faith.   I want to believe God for miracles beyond marvel.   The bible says that if we have the faith of a mustard seed, we should be able to speak to a mountain and have it be moved.   Growing up, I wasn’t famili...
Post a Comment
Read more

What are you hoping for?

I came for a short visit to Inglewood, California to see my family and offer my assistance in a family project at my parent's house this weekend.  I didn't bring my percolator, so off to Starbucks I went to get some much needed coffee.  California is a beautiful place and the weather is always nice, so I walked to Starbucks  It's only one mile away and that's a great way to get some sun and some exercise, all at once.   As I was walking down the street, I felt an air of dreams deferred, a bit of staleness, and a sense of "is this all there is?"  Now, I know there will always be dreamers and believers, movers and shakers, but I couldn't help but notice the look of hopelessness on the faces that I passed by.  I noticed the homes with unkempt lawns and the cars that needed washing.  As we get older and our priorities change, I understand that what was once important may fade in the shadows of more pressing issues.  I know that having the late...
Post a Comment
Read more