God's Coaching #255

God's Coaching #255

An NFL quarterback’s helmet does more than protect his skull. It also provides a vital link between the player and the coach. Since 1994, a quarterback’s helmet has contained a speaker that allows a coach to call the next play right into the quarterback’s ear. While this allows for quicker communication than using hand signals or running in the next play from the sidelines, sometimes technical difficulties arise.

On September 12, 2010, the San Francisco 49ers suffered a demoralizing 31–6 loss in their season opener at Seattle. Part of the 49ers’ offensive woes stemmed from some poor communication between offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye and quarterback Alex Smith. On several occasions, Jimmy didn’t give the next play to Alex before the radio in his helmet cut off, which happened with 15 seconds left on the play clock (per NFL rules). San Francisco had to burn several time-outs, and the offense never really got going. Later in the season, the Jacksonville Jaguars lost 34–24 to the Indianapolis Colts, and a helmet radio malfunction caused Jaguars quarterback David Garrard to miss part of a play call on a fourth-and-one situation. “The headsets were going in and out and weren’t working,” David told reporters after the game. “I had to switch to a different helmet.”

What’s the Score?

In the NFL, communication between coaches and the quarterback is essential for success. Communication is also key in our Christian life. The way we communicate to God is through prayer. If we are to grow in obedience and faith, we must pray often to God.

How can you get to know someone and deepen a relationship if you never talk to him? You can’t. We can’t know our heavenly Father on a deeper level and become more like him if we don’t talk to him. Some people pray, but do it reluctantly—like it’s punishment. But prayer is a great privilege. We don’t deserve to talk to a holy God, but that’s exactly the opportunity we have through God’s grace. If we put our faith in Jesus, God’s Spirit enters our hearts and allows us to speak with God himself. Jude 1:20 instructs us to “pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Now that’s some powerful communication that will always get through!

On the Ball

To grow in godliness, we must pray more. Find a time that works well, and pray at least once a day.

Coach’s Comment

You, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. Jude 1:20-21