The Good Coach

For those of you feeling overwhelmed by trials…. There once was a wise coach who had been around for many years. He had a young athlete in whom he saw great potential. He treated her differently than some of the other athletes, giving her harder, longer workouts. Her teammates finished practice barely out of breath, but she finished exhausted. They finished early, but she struggled into the night. The young athlete took notice and grew discouraged. Finally, she questioned her coach. “You said I was favored,” she cried. “And you are,” he assured her. “Then why do you weary me as you do?” The coach smiled. “Someday you will understand.” Trusting him, she pressed on. Day after day, year after year, the not-so-young athlete continued to train under the wise coach. He did not let up, but instead, pushed her harder and longer. Finally, she again questioned the old coach, “Will you ever show me mercy?” she cried. She was hunched over and gasping. The coach smiled. “You would understand, if you would look around you.” The old athlete stood up and looked. She was standing on the top of a mountain peak. Her coach was wearing a white robe and holding a crown. He wiped away every tear from her eyes. “Well done,” He told her. The athlete smiled. “I’ve finished the race?” She asked. “Indeed. There will be no more crying, nor pain.” He assured her. “But why was there so much of it before?” She asked. “Because you said you’d follow Me to victory,” He reminded her. The coach became dazzling, full of light as the mountain clouds parted. Three crosses stood nearby under rays of sun. “Power is made perfect in weakness,” He told her. He clothed her in white linen. A trumpet sounded. The applause of a multitude could be heard in the distance. With music and signing. He held out a hand, scarred in the center. “Come, let’s eat.” He said. “You must be famished.” …. ……… ……….. “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,” Romans 5:3-4) “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:2) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Do your best to come to me soon.” (2 Timothy 4:7-9) “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,” (2 Corinthians 4:17)