Ready:
Those who have a godless heart harbor anger; even when God binds them, they do not cry for help. — Job 36:13
Set:
The godless in heart, even when chastised by God for their foolishness, will not cry out to Him for help; instead, they store up anger and resentment. That sounds like some people I’ve known. Some players rebel against the coach’s leadership and suffer the consequences, but they never learn from them. They break the rules again, serve a suspension, and are restored to their teams, only to shift blame and return to their foolish ways. Such patterns of behavior reveal the nature of their hearts.
As we prepare to coach today, let’s examine our hearts. Are our feelings of anger a result of God’s correction? Is our frustration an indicator of deep-seated rebellion and godlessness? These are hard questions. Rather than give in to rebellion and anger, we must call out to God for help and restoration. If needed, we must trust Him to rebuild our relationships with our teams.
Go:
1. Have you ever had a player who would not learn, even after multiple suspensions and other disciplinary actions?
2. Were you ever that player? How did God bind you?
3. How can you help such a player?
4. Have you ever been a coach like that? When have you cried out for help?
Workout:
Extra Reading: Ephesians 4:17–32
Overtime:
Father, help me as a coach to promote godliness of heart rather than resentment and anger. May I be quick to cry out for help in my hours of failure and grief. Help me to coach the godless in heart toward freedom and restoration. Amen.