Under Authority

When a coach and player don’t see eye to eye, it can be an overwhelmingly frustrating experience. Heads colliding, visions blurring, lack of motivation to perform- all a deadly combination. And when someone’s in the wrong and yet there is no remorse or remedy, the war of wills proves quite a battle.

As athletes, we want our coaches to be a source of inspiration and teaching. Yet at times we wind up on teams where every practice is daunting, and the mental energy it takes to simply focus drains even our physical performance.

When we are under an authority who may be overbearing, negative, and not leading in God’s direction, instincts tell us to disregard their place over us, become discouraged and wish away our season. But it’s the season of life we’ve been given, and we can’t waste time grumbling and wanting to take the easy way out. God clearly tells us to persevere, to fix our eyes on Jesus and trust that He will make something good from the situation. The people He has put above us are by His institution, and though it may be difficult to unclench the fists around our heart, we must open ourselves to hearing from God in new ways through our obedience.

And we will hear and grow- God oftentimes uses what we most fight to disclose more of Himself in the process.