READY:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” -Hebrews 13:8
SET:
Have you ever had a really good season with a coaching staff? They were encouraging, clear, loving, didn’t yell at you with a harsh tone, but treated you like a valued athlete and voice on their team. Memories are probably flooding your mind right now of that one coach who made you feel seen, known and loved. With that being said, we all know what it feels like to move up in our sport and have the coaching staff change. We move from a familiar known to an unfamiliar unknown. You’re playing the same sport, but the level of competition changes as well as the players and coaches.
Life can be similar. The game continues but the level of intensity changes and so do the players in the game. The good news is that in the Christian life, the coaching staff does not change. You have access to the Constant Coach. Practice, games, rest, off-season, post-season, pre-season: He is there through it all. The Trinity is truly the best Coaching Staff we could ever have. God the Father adopts us into His Family and purposes a beautiful plan for our lives. God the Son made a way for us to be adopted into the family by His shed blood and now we walk by His example. God the Spirit lives within the heart of each believer to help guide and comfort us along the way. WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE COACH AT ALL TIMES. And He never changes.
What happens when the coaching staff doesn’t change? Relationship. Deep-rooted, intimate, trustworthy connection that continues to build with each practice and game. Our God is faithful. He “is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Imagine you’re a young competitor on the first day of experiencing your sport. The coach is there, introducing you to the basics of the sport. He’s gentle and kind with you as you try to figure out the rules, skills and details of the game. He watches with joy as you master different skills through practice and hard work. He watches you stumble, ices your injuries, laughs with you as you’re cutting up with your teammates. He corrects and guides you as you struggle. Now imagine that same coach walking through elementary, middle school, high school, collegiate and professional sport with you. Even after professional, when you’re playing with your kids, teaching them your sport- He’s there. That is our God. The God who extends His faithfulness to all generations (Psalm 100:5).
The loving, faithful Coach who never leaves and never changes; what a relief!
GO:
What is one way God has sustained you during a transition in your life when everything was changing?
What is one thing you learned about Him during that time?
WORKOUT:
OVERTIME:
"Father, thank You for being there for me through every season. You are my Rock. Thank You that I have access to You at all times. In Jesus’ name, amen.”