Trials

We often hear that God has a wonderful plan for our life, and He does; but we often think that will result in our idea of a successful life on earth. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Players get injured, a top recruit goes elsewhere and tragic accidents happen. Things occur that are out of our control and responding to those trials is what tests our faith. When we don’t understand everything, trying to answer the “why” questions is hard. The most honest answer is “I don’t know”; but that does not always help the questioner. The best thing we can do is to remind ourselves and others what we do know about God.

Here’s what we know:

· Compared to God’s, our view is very small and short-sighted. He sees the big picture. We have all seen athletes who wanted to do something that will hurt them or not do something that will help them. As a coach, your knowledge and experience allows you to see a bigger picture and decide to intervene or not. This is like God’s ability to see all our life and what’s best for us.

· It’s okay to cry out to God, tell him what you are feeling. Sometimes we fear doing that, but it helps to get it out. The key is not to stay there.

· Get into His word to recall the promises and character of God. Psalms are a great place to go. Remember, He wastes nothing and is always at work to take ashes and turn them to glory. Romans 5:3-5

·Seek community. In the midst of hurting, we may try to isolate from others and God. God desires us to seek other believers to come aside us and help keep our focus on Him.

· Make a choice to trust God’s power and plan more than our own. Isaiah 55:8

It isn’t a matter of if, but when life throws you a curve ball. We must decide now that we will handle it in a way that is honoring to God. Like 1 Peter 4 reminds us, we shouldn’t be caught off guard, but prepared with the knowledge of Who God is and the comfort that He is always in control.