Sometimes I wonder why it is so difficult for coaches to be still and listen. We have no problem knowing how to lead, direct others or give commands. But to whom do we look when we need direction? Who helps us make tough decisions?

We don’t have to look far in Scripture to find a leader with similar challenges. Joshua was a brilliant military leader and had a strong spiritual influence, but his success came because he had learned whom to go to when he faced difficult choices. Joshua knew that unless he first submitted to God, he would never accomplish what he’d been given to do. So when God spoke, Joshua listened and obeyed.

Joshua’s ability to submit to God teaches us about another leader who became the greatest man to ever walk the earth because of His sacrificial submission to God. Instead of being afraid, He faced an unjust judge; and instead of giving up, He endured an excruciating death on the cross. Like Joshua, Jesus Christ knew that the greatest gift humankind could receive was the gift of God’s presence. Yet He gave that up as well and endured separation from the Father through His death on the cross so that the Lord our God would be with us wherever we go.

How often as coaches have we been challenged to make choices that greatly influence the lives of those we love and lead? We all know it can be stressful making the right choices. Thankfully, we have a God who understands our anxieties, and because of Jesus’ courage to choose death for our sake, He promises to be with us wherever we go! As we submit to His counsel, we’ll gain the wisdom we need to make courageous choices.