I have written many blog entries over the last 3 years encouraging those coaches, and others, who find themselves in a “hopeless” situation NOT to give up hope! If any of you ever thought, “that’s easy for Lew to write… he’s never experienced what I’m going through right now in this season,” then take heart! I’m right there with you, Coaching Friends! We are now 0-4! It’s the worst losing streak I’ve ever been associated with in my 26 years as a head football coach. I now KNOW exactly what some of you are going through. However, I am not feeling what a lot of you may be experiencing. Why? Because the Bible says that “we, who are in Christ, are more than conquerors!
Having problems doesn’t mean that we are a failure or the focus of God’s displeasure. The storm that Jesus talks about in Matt. 7 (vs. 24-27) battered the house of both the believer and unbeliever. But… the key is: the believer’s “house” overcame it. So, what is God’s goal in all of this suffering that you and I (those of you who are “0-fers” right now?!) are trying to deal with? To make us overcomers— NOT escape artists!!!
Yes, those of us who are Believers— God will deliver us, but first He will develop us. There are problems that we can’t avoid (injuries, lack of talent, inexperienced coaches) and must deal with; but, through it all, God is saying: “Don’t Give Up!” He has something that He is trying to teach us in this. For a lot of us, it’s simply to continue to trust Him and love Him during the storm. Like the Casting Crowns song says: “I will praise You in this storm and I lift my hands for You are who You are… no matter where I am… I will praise You.”
I have shared with players and coaches over the years that “God loves you just as much whether you are 10-0 or 0-10.” Now, I’m living it! In the midst of the frustration, I have God’s peace. I KNOW now that God does love me in the midst of this losing streak— He has not foresaken me. He is not punishing me. He does have my attention!— and I’m listening to see what He is trying to teach me through all of this.
One thing He has shown me is that I need to get rid of any bitterness and unforgiveness (grudges) that I am carrying in my heart. It’s in the storms of life that our ears are opened to the spiritual aspect of life. I am seeking God and His will. I am claiming the verse in 1 Peter 1 that says, “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure… trials.”
Many of you know of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Mary Kay Ash was a real person who accumulated a massive fortune franchising her concept of running a business for women. It was not an easy start, though. For a woman in the 1950’s trying to get respect from men in the corporate world, it was extremely frustrating. She retired in 1963 and wrote a book designed to help women in the business world. Her accountant and her attorney discouraged her, but with her husband’s support she created a new cosmetic line, recruited and trained an all-female sales force. Her motto was, “God first, family second, career third.” Never underestimate someone with vision and determination! Though we, coaches, are facing adversity right now.. don’t give up! “There is wonderful joy ahead.”
