Coach's Corner
Warm-Up
“So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” — John 8:36
Form two teams and then take off your shoes and throw them into two separate team piles. Keep track of where your shoes are while someone from the other team takes 30 seconds to tie all of the shoelaces together. On the leader’s command, the first group to untie their shoe pile wins.
- What was the hardest part of getting your shoes untangled and freed up?
Everybody wants you to play well as an athlete—including you! It can be easy to feel sad and frustated. Expectations means what other people think you should be and how you should act. But trusting God first will allow you to feel free to do your best no matter what.
Workout
When you play, you might be thinking about how other people see you. You might feel sad if you mess up, or worried that another player is better than you. It’s really hard to feel free to play and do your best when you’re thinking about all of those other things. When that happens, it’s easy to feel trapped by your own thoughts, and you might not know what to do.
- When have you felt sad or worried when playing?
- When have you felt happy or free when playing?
Without Christ, you won’t find true freedom. That means you won’t feel free—and not worried about messing up—to be the best you can when you play your sport or in other areas of your life.
That was Jesus’ message to the people who believed He was God’s Son:
“If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31–32
Stand up, jump and down with your hands in the air and shout out, “I am free!” Thank you, Jesus!
Wrap-Up
When you give up everything to God, you are free to do your best no matter what. Here are three benefits you will have through God’s greater freedom:
- Freedom from Worry. There is no more pressure to perform when you are focused on living for God. — Philippians 4:6
- Freedom from Doubt. There is no room to doubt when your trust is placed in God and His Word. — Proverbs 3:5
- Freedom from Fear. There is no longer any reason to be afraid when you know God is on your side.— 2 Timothy 1:7
Show me your best worry face. Now show me your be doubt (confused) face. Now show me your afraid face. Lastly, show me your happy face! That’s how Jesus wants us to feel!
Lead your team in prayer or ask one of your athletes to lead in prayer.