There is no towel to throw in when you are playing for God's glory and for your athletes' blessing!

"She looks well to the ways of her team, and does not stop working for their good" (Proverbs 31:27).

Sometimes I'm tempted to give up! The wear and tear of daily practices, the roller coaster ride of emotions caused by winning and losing games and all the stressors that come with coaching can be overwhelming to me. 

Just yesterday our team faced off against a more talented team and I had no answers to help them overcome the service winners. All I could do was watch as the opposing players continued to launch rockets at us. I felt defeated and helpless, so I know how my team must have been feeling.  I wanted to quit!

However, I never let my team see how desperate I was feeling. Because I'm committed to their well-being, I was able to withstand the uncomfortable emotions that come with failure. I continued to infuse them with positive words, instruction, and courage to fight. We still lost!  Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB) says, "... and let us run with endurance... fixing our eyes on Jesus..."

But today is a new day, and we will continue to work on our skills, and I will be encouraging and uplifting because I'm working for their good. There is no towel to throw in when you are playing for God's glory and your athletes' blessing. But where do I find courage and hope?

Prayer

Lord, let my gaze fall on You when I'm tempted to shrink back or quit. This race can be so frustrating and discouraging. Give me supernatural endurance to keep running toward You!