One of the joys of being a coach is giving an athlete a vision of how good he or she can be. Once the athlete buys into that vision they soon realize that the “vision” will not become reality unless they are willing to sacrifice and go beyond what they feel capable of physically and mentally. At this point, unless the athlete has committed confidence in the coach, they give up and the “vision” is not realized. This often true analogy in the athletic world is applicable to our lives as Christians. Jesus gives us a vision: “whoever does and teaches my commandments, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:19). We want greatness, but now read the rest of the chapter. These next verses stretch us beyond what we feel physically, spiritually or mentally capable of. Like the athlete, this is the turning point. Either we have the confidence to be committed to what Jesus asks of us or “60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it? 66 As a result of this many of His disciples [k]went away and were not walking with Him anymore.” (John 6). The point is, God gives us the vision of being useful and great for His kingdom, but are we willing to go through the rigors, self-sacrifice, commitment to attain the vision?

Here's where the analogy of the coach and athlete breaks down. Coaches make mistakes...sometimes they're in it not for the athlete's best good. Jesus isn't like that. Not only is He not mistaken in the vision He has for us, it is always for our best good. Not only that, but He is God...let that sink in for a minute. We will experience His gymnasium: “2-4 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (Hebrews 1:2-4 The Message Paraphrase)

My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, break us, mold us, build us so that we conform and fulfill your vision for us. We want to be great for Your honor's sake and the building of Your kingdom. Amen.
Walk with the King today and be a blessing.