READY
“For God loved the world in this way; He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
SET
Getting to know athletes at the beginning of a season is one of my favorite parts of coaching. I enjoy the process of watching players walk in the gym. I try to spot the leaders, the rookies, the skilled, the drama lovers and all the in between. Despite my best efforts, just watching them does not provide all I need to know to place the best athletes in the game. If I want the best team in the game, I must develop relationships in addition to game plans.
God does the same thing. “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God because they will return to me with all their heart.” (Jeremiah 24:7) He placed within us a desire to know Him because He desires to know us. We can spend hours getting to know athletes and still know only a fraction of their lives. God has known us since before we were born (Psalm 139:16).
I’m guessing you didn’t get to be a coach by accident. You’ve spent time studying the sport and you’ve invested time (and maybe money) to get to where you are. We don’t grow closer to the Lord by accident either. We invest in that relationship by learning about God through His words to us in the Bible and by spending time talking to Him in prayer.
GO
How much time are you investing in your relationship with God?
What practical steps can you take to grow closer to the Lord?
What benefits to your coaching and life might happen if you spend more time with the Lord?
WORKOUT
Revelation 3:20; Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 139
OVERTIME
“Lord, all good things take time. Give me eyes to see where I can spend more time with You. I desire to grow closer to You. Thank You for Your love for me. Give me what I need to shepherd this team for Your glory. Guide our practices and bless our competitions. In Your name, amen.”