2 Corinthians 12:7-10
even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ, for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NRSVUE)
This next fall will be my 30th year coaching football at either the junior high or high school levels in Nebraska. Each coaching staff I've worked with have always tried to lead and develop athletes to improve and grow not only as players, but in all aspects of their lives. I feel blessed to have worked with so many great coaches in three different school systems who have all been instrumental in my growth as a coach and person, and the positive development of our players. One commonality of these coaches is that none of them ever put themselves before the athletes they coached, because each demonstrated consistent positive behavior and treated all athletes with respect. Every coach has been humble, accountable and honest with themselves, their fellow coaches and our athletes. This approach has attributed to sustained success in how the majority of our athletes carry themselves on a daily basis in the classroom, on the practice field and out in public.
No matter how hard we try, our messages of patience, development, consistency and striving to the standard don't always reach everyone. Some seasons are fun and go very smoothly, but others come with on and off the field issues that take from our time and attention to others. These situations are honestly draining and it sometimes feels as if one step forward can lead to two steps back. As their coach, I want to be able to guide the decisions our players make, but accepting that the final choices are in their hands is hard for me to accept. Combine that with coming out on the losing side of the scoreboard and pressure can mount quickly on everyone involved. This passage from 2 Corinthians is a great reminder of how Jesus is able to keep us grounded when challenges and turmoil come into our lives, and that God's Grace is sufficient to see us through. Understanding that we learn through struggle and that the Lord will always be there to lift us up, is a good way for me to reframe my thinking when challenges come our way.
After our first win each season, I give a post-game talk about how we expect our players to carry themselves moving forward at home and school. When we win, it's easy to feel great about the job we've done as coaches, how many tackles I had as a player, touchdowns I threw for at quarterback, or yards I gained at running back. It's perfectly acceptable that we should feel proud of our personal achievements, but we must remain as humble in victory as we do in defeat. A running back can only gain yards when an offensive line creates lanes to run through and a quarterback only records passing yards if protected and the ball is caught. It's really easy to leave the game talking about how great "I" did. In reality, we rely on each other to achieve the growth we so desire in all parts of our lives on and off the field, and that begins by leaning on our Faith in God and thanking Him for the gifts we've been given to use in his name.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does God call you to help the kids in your life gain a sense of pride, self-worth, accountability and integrity as they mature?
- When you feel like your life is full of more failure than success, do you lean on God's Grace to see you through?
Prayer:
We all serve you in different ways on this earth. Use us each day to lift those up around us, listen to those in need, speak your word and follow your teachings. Your Grace is sufficient.
Amen
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