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The Value of a Coach

Scripture describes many situations where the Holy Spirit is working through God's people to produce what could best be described as a "spiritual movement". The movement is propelled with a spirit of faith. It's rooted in each person's very personal and even private relationship with God. It manifests itself in bold exploits for God and heroic actions that bring honor and glory to God. Hebrews chapter eleven gives us the taste of the glory and guts that come with those who truly live by faith:

Hebrews 11:32-38
“And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” (ESV)

Caught more than taught
As a young Christian, I was discipled by a slightly older college student. I was astonished at how bold he was. He was a cheerleader at one of the largest universities in America, so I assumed he wasn't shy. It wasn't until I saw him engage with others and share Christ that I truly grasped the love, compassion, and yes, boldness God had given him. I wanted to be like him.

Courage and boldness are essential ingredients for the leaders of a spiritual movement, and these qualities are forged and molded as the members challenge one another to take greater steps of faith. This boldness is caught more than taught. This is not some theoretical or academic approach to faith. Spiritual leaders must give primary attention to maintaining the cutting edge in their own faith walk. What has been done recently that they could not do on their own power, experience, or expertise?

Coaching and being coached
We need to continually move out of our comfort zones and create new challenges for one another and plan together ways we can make a greater impact for Christ. What new step of faith have we taken lately?  Who can join us as we trust God together?

When Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the gospel of the Kingdom, He sent them two by two.  It's amazing how going with someone helps us take new steps of faith and overcome fears and doubts.

Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (ESV)

Left alone, we would not often take the steps of faith that require that extra courage. Most of us would take the easy road. What a privilege to have a coach walking side by side with us. Our coaches are not only attempting to take greater and greater steps of faith, but also are committed to challenge us to take the road of adventure with them.

What limited growth and development occurs when left on our own to learn from "the school of hard knocks."

The Need for encouragement
 How often the Scriptures must remind us to "be not discouraged".  As we walk with Christ and seek to serve Him it so natural to become weary and even want to "give up".

          "Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." Heb 12:12

A coach can play that unique role of offering strength and encouragement at key times in our walk with Christ.  Since they know us well they can apply scripture and wisdom to the everyday issues we face.  How often a kind word or a pat on the back can make all the difference!

Everyone needs a coach!
No matter how far along you are in your journey with Christ you can always benefit from someone that's a little further down the road.  The extra challenge or comfort they may provide helps produce excellence in our character and service.  Christians must commit themselves to be "life-time learners".  God has a special plan and purpose for each of us, let's walk in it!

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Eph 2:10

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