Twelve Little Kiddos, One Patient Coach, and a Football

Twelve bright-eyed little boys, one very patient and passionate coach, and a football. And even though I have an extremely limited knowledge of this great game of football, God used these three images to teach me a very important lesson last night.

One of my favorite things to do after a long day is to take a walk or jog on the track. Worship music going through my ears, praises to God soaring from my heart...it's a beautiful and precious time with my Father. Just me and Him.

The track at our local YMCA is set just above the gymnasium. Most of the time the gym floor remains fairly empty. But on this particular night, a group of young boys were gathered to partake in probably the most anticipated highlight of their week: football practice. I watched as a very brave coach rounded up these excited kiddos, of whom just one of those boys probably had more energy on a Monday night than three of me put together. They all gathered for a common goal: outsmart and defeat the enemy. I watched as the coach began to teach them different strategic movements. He would model the "play" first, then allow them to try it. "Alright, boys. Run it!" He would yell. And with all the strength that was within them, they would run. Often at times they would mess up. But even in their failed attempts at the play, the coach would compassionately stop them and show them the correct way. Many times I would watch as he would pat one of the little guys on the back and say: "Good job, buddy. Way to go."

But perhaps what caught my attention more than anything that night was the beautiful concept of teamwork reflected in these young children. At one point during the practice, one small player was knocked to the ground. I watched as another boy reached down his hand to help the fallen teammate. I couldn't help the smile from coming across my face. I watched as the each young boy took his position on the "field" and worked for one common goal...of victory...victory over the enemy.

I began to think..."Wow, what a neat picture of the body of Christ in this great kingdom of God!" God is very much indeed our Coach in life. He has given us His Word, a play-by-play showing us exactly how His children should live in order to overcome the enemy. He has even sent us a living, breathing example of how to walk as believer through the life of His Son, our Lord Jesus.

"The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living." (Ps. 19:18)

And though sometimes we "run the play" wrong or we might even stumble and "drop the ball," He gently shows us the way...giving us clear direction and lovingly forgiving us in what may seem like our deepest failures.

"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

Psalm 37:23-24

What God impressed heavily upon my heart that night was the importance of encouraging fellow believers. The beautiful sight of that young boy reaching his hand down to help his teammate...is exactly what I desire to do in the lives of my brothers and sisters in Christ. What an amazing blessing and opportunity we have to bless others and encourage each other in our faith. Through His Son, God gives us power to unite as believers for a common goal: defeat the enemy. Are you taking time to build up others and encourage them is this "play" of life?

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

And as I walked the track that night, I began to pray for those who would walk those same steps on the track long after my time there had ended. I prayed that they would come to know God and that they would experience the joy that I had in my heart because of what He has done for me. I prayed that perhaps even I could share with them about this great love one day.

Does it bless you tonight that God does indeed direct your every step? He has shown the way, step by step, play-by-play. Even more, He has gone before us and promises that He will never leave our side.

"You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head... You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

Psalm 138: 5, 16

I imagine Him whispering in my ear: "Let's go, Hannah. I'm here by your side. I won't leave you. Run it! "

So, I sit here tonight. A burden on my heart for you, child of God. May you know tonight that He is the Director of your steps, the Healer of your heart, your God Almighty. May you be encouraged tonight in this "game of life." You are not alone. He's beside you all the way. Run it, precious one of God. Run it.

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety."

Psalm 16:8-9

Hannah Grace