Hitting Reset as a Coach

It was a late October evening, the first game for our American football team and my first game as head coach. As the rain came down and the halftime whistle blew, my mind was going 100mph thinking of anything and everything. Players, coaches and referees began moving toward me to ask questions, give information or share opinions about our situation. As the noise increased and surrounded my senses, the fog of the moment began to take over as I walked to the locker room for halftime, trying to figure out what we needed to do to win this game.

How often does the fog of life come to you? Have you ever played in a game where you felt distracted—thinking of things at home that were irrelevant to the moment, things that threw you off your game and prevented you from competing at your best? As a coach, have you had moments when pressures to win overcame your ability to be present at home with your family?

As life pulls us in different directions, our minds can become clouded and foggy when we don’t take time to reset ourselves into a rhythm that is led by Christ. Resetting enables us to thrive in each part of our lives that God has called us to be present in.

In Exodus 14:14, Moses had led his people out of Egypt and the Israelites begin to flood Moses with complaints as the Egyptian army closes in on them as they arrive at the Red Sea. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Moses decided to be still before God. Then God used him to do a miracle. 

Stillness Leads to Strength 

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” –Exodus 14:14, NIV

Moses is under intense pressure as the cries of his people grow louder and the army of Egypt is bearing down onto them. He needs God to do a miracle. Boldly, he stands in stillness as he trusts the Lord to fight for him when all seems lost. It can seem strange to be still when it feels like action is needed; however, the Hebrew meaning to “be still” means not inaction, but to actively trust in God and “let go or release” our burdens to Him. This action of trusting God, focusing energy and thoughts to Him alone, allowed Moses to reset and overcome the impossible situation he faced.

How often do we strive in our minds to find a solution, frantically trying to come up with the idea on our own, but as soon as we become still, God gives us the solution when we least expect it? In our stillness, God gives us the strength to overcome our situation.

God is Enough 

“Be still and know that I am God.” –Psalm 46:10

As the Israelites fear for their lives, forgetting all God has already done, Moses boldly reminds them that God is enough. Despite the situation, Moses knows God is completely in control and God will save them. When we face challenging times, it can be easy to forget all the times God has come through in our own lives. Being still creates space to remember God is enough and in control. owing who God is gives us a confidence to open our hearts to Him as we understand He will not leave us. Take your exhaustion and fear to Him, let Him know what’s going on, and ask Him to step in and be with you. He will guide you to the truth you need, in the ways you need it.

Rhythms of Silence Lead to Resilience 

“’Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” –Matthew 11:28-30

As life gets busy and the fog overtakes our minds, stillness gives us a reset that, in turn, empowers us to go the distance. Building a rhythm of silence creates intentional space for God to minister to our hearts, and it ensures we go the distance in the call He has placed on our lives. Moses’ story does not end with the parting of the Red Sea, but by leading the Israelites toward the Promised Land. Regularly spending time in silence, he learns of God’s plan for each next step.

Before I stepped into the locker room that halftime, I stepped to the side and found a quiet spot to take two minutes to myself, asking God for the courage to lead our team, to give me the gameplan we needed, and to use my words and actions to glorify Him in that present moment. As the fog cleared my mind, I went on to deliver our team’s strategy, and, most importantly, realized my identity was not in wins or losses, but in who God called me to be in that moment. Our team did go on to win that game, but the lesson of stillness was the most important victory for me that day. 

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: How have you been focusing on the wrong things? How can you take time for stillness before God? 

Challenge: Let God still your heart and mind and give you His rest today.

CTA: Your athletes look up to you for guidance in every area of life—are you able to give them what they need? Check out FCA’s 360 Coach course!