Coaches face pressure on a daily basis. Whether it’s your won-lost record, player’s academics, boosters, parents—the expectations placed on coaches are never-ending.

What a comforting truth Matthew brings us! Jesus was declaring His willingness to stand in the gap for us. He liberates us to focus on Him, producing a pressure-free response to His Spirit and truth.

In Decisions by the Book, John R. Deal wrote the following words of encouragement: “Pressure is a distorted state of mind induced by our sinful, negligent and over committed flesh. God never over committed anyone; rather, we place ourselves through the exercise of improper priorities. Pressure is easily overcome if we are willing to step from the flesh and over into the Word of God. It is from God that we secure the faith to eliminate the pressure. We then can receive the wisdom and insight which empowers us to produce the fruits of His Spirit.”

God wants to free you of any improper priorities that cause pressure in your life. Today, you too can surrender by faith and allow Jesus to build His church through you.