Rebuilding
n/a
"Endure it as discipline; God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline?" — Hebrews 12:7b
Our small town high school football team had a record-breaking season last year. We finished 11–1, and ranked eighth in the state. This year our record is 0–6.
As coaches, we have all had the dreaded “rebuilding” season, the one where the most you hope to gain is respect for your efforts and sportsmanship. Even the best programs have rebuilding years. The best teams experience slumps. As coaches, we find this is a frustrating time. We get angry. We do not understand how we can do well one year and so poorly the next. We vent our frustrations on the players, our assistants, and even our families.We say and do things we later regret.
God calls us to use those rebuilding seasons for just that very purpose—rebuilding. We are to “endure hardship as discipline” (Heb 12:7a). Webster defines discipline as “correction; mental and moral training.” It is during those tough seasons that coaches are under the most scrutiny. As Christians, we must maintain our composure at all times. We must gently correct and encourage our players so that the best of their talents and abilities will shine. Trust in God’s wisdom, and you will learn much more than you imagined in the process!
1. Is your team in a slump? Are you in a spiritual slump?
2. If you are experiencing a rebuilding season, how can you use it to motivate the team?
3. Are you seeking God’s perspective while winning or rebuilding?
4. How are you teaching and demonstrating true humility when winning?
Extra Reading: Deuteronomy 8:5; Psalm 19:12–14; Matthew 11:28–30; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10; Hebrews 12:1–13
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and talents You have given me. I pray that You will guide me through the rebuilding seasons of my life. Use those times to discipline and train me to be a coach who seeks to honor You. May I always seek Your wisdom. Amen.
