The Coach

My mother and I have been enjoying watching the European Championships this week. We especially like the aquatic sports and gymnastics. After the awards ceremonies, when gold, silver, and bronze medals are placed around the winner’s necks, the interviews take place. The athletes talk about their dreams, their training, etc. One athlete made a statement that stayed with me. She explained that her coach kept her to a regiment of long hours and practice. She got tired, she had good days and not so good. She said there were times when she told herself that she would never be on the winner’s stand, she would not get through, she could not be good enough. She said she often got tired and discouraged. The days were long and arduous. Then she said this: “My coach was always with me. When I gave up, he never did. His strength and belief in me pushed me forward. Now here I am.”

Does this remind you of anything? Isaiah 41:10 sprang to my mind, “Don’t be afraid for I am with you. Don’t be afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” There is another verse in Hebrews 13:5 where it says of God, “…I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

The Apostle Paul compared our walk with God like running a race, declaring that we run it to win the prize. That gold medal, of course, is eternal life with Him where no sorrow or discouragement exists. Until then, we get tired, we feel downcast, we want to give up, but then we are reminded of the One who is with us always, watching over, giving His own strength to assist us as we run the track of difficulty, or dive into deep waters of trouble, or balance on the beam of so much to do and not enough time to do it. Our Almighty, all loving heavenly Father is there. Jesus is watching over. His angels are often dispatched to give us aid. The Holy Spirit empowers us.

Our days can be hard, full of the unknown. We can be dreading what might happen next. We may want to give up, but please remember — your Coach is always with you, urging you on, designing your training plan, giving you His own strength and wisdom to face anything. “With God, nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) Keep running your race. Your Coach is right there with you.