“And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” - Romans 8:30-31
As coaches and athletes, we face adversity every day. Specifically for coaches, this adversity seems to come not just from the opponents on our schedules, but from a variety of sources. And whether we are dealing with players’ circumstances, injuries, parental issues, or whatever, we all need to have some reassurance or confirmation that we are doing a good job.
In today’s passage, Paul tells us that we are “called” to be coaches. Some people are called to be businessmen or health care professionals, but God has summoned us to coach. Thus, by reason, that means that we are called to serve Him in this capacity. If we are to serve the Lord as coaches and if we understand that God’s love for us is eternal, it stands to reason that He will always take care of us. He will always do what is best for us. As a coach, none of us would put a player in a position to fail unless a life lesson was involved. The same is true of Jesus. When He allows us to go through hardships or failures, it is to help us grow.
Jesus promises He will look after us if we “remain in Him” (John 15:4). This does not mean that we will never have issues again, but it does mean that whenever something comes our way, He will be in front of us, guiding us and allowing it to happen to us for His purposes. Either way, we have the best coach a player could want.
So, the next time you are facing the discouragement of adversity, just start repeating this: “If God is for us, who is against us?”
1. Think of some ways you can better honor God as you coach or compete. Write them down.
2. Did you grow as a result of your last adversity?
3. How can you help your players or teammates grow through adversity?
John 14:15-18
John 15:1-17
Romans 8