LOSING TO WIN
Ready:
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it.”—Matthew 16:25
Set:
In our culture, we are taught that losing in sports is not an option if you want to be considered successful. We hear sayings like “win at all costs” so we can enjoy the prestige of being called a winner regardless of the approach. As a coach, we can find ourselves constantly thinking and strategizing on how to win. Why? Because winning is rewarded.
The passage in Matthew 16 clarifies what true winning really is according to God. Winning God’s way is not about our will but surrendering to His will for our lives. Being willing to follow His plans rather than our own! When we ‘lose’ our plans for His plans, we become a Kingdom ‘winner’! The kind of winning that results in eternal rewards far greater than anything on earth.
Coach, my hope is that you would choose to become a kingdom winner by choosing to give up control of your life to God. To be willing to coach your team for God’s glory and not for earthly glory. To lose your life for Jesus so you can truly win and help your players do the same. Let the pursuit of wins be for God’s glory and not your own. Let winning on the scoreboard be a byproduct of Kingdom winning–submitting your will and coaching for the Lord.
Go:
- What is the greatest loss you have experienced in your playing or coaching career?
- What are some of your desires (will) you want to accomplish as a coach?
- What are some reservations you have about submitting to God’s will for your life?
- As a coach, what does it look like to lose your life for Jesus?
Workout:
Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3: 5-6; Job 22: 21-25
Overtime:
“Heavenly Father, help me to submit to Your will over my own. Show me how to do this so that my life will please You and I can help others do the same. In Jesus’ name, amen.”