Coaching

I have been really enjoying watching the gymnastics at the Olympics over the last couple of days.  I am always amazed by how flexible and strong the gymnasts are, and by how effortless it all appears.

I have just been watching the uneven bars and have been amazed, not just by the gymnasts, but by the coaches.  Apparently they have to remain under the bars whilst their gymnast competes, which is called 'spotting'.  They are there for the safety of their gymnast. 

Some of the coaches I have seen this afternoon have been literally millimetres away from the gymnasts as the gymnasts have swung from bar to bar.  Every time the gymnasts looked as though they might fall, the coaches would reach out a hand, ready to steady them or grab them.  But if they do touch the gymnasts whilst they are still on the bars, there is a penalty.  Consequently, the coaches have the tricky job of needing to be ready to step in and support the gymnast if needed, but maintaining their distance if not.

Of course, the gymnast hopes they won't need the support of their coach whilst they are competing, but it is reassuring to know they are there.

Jesus told His disciples that He would send them a 'coach'  when He returned to heaven; someone who would encourage and support and protect them:

"When the Friend comes, the Spirit of Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is.  He won't draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said."

[John 16:13-14 MSG]

Our coach is the Holy Spirit.  Someone who is on our team and wants the best for us; someone who will support and uphold us; someone who will always be there for us, ready to pick us back up when we fall.

He holds us by the hand and guides us into a deeper understanding of ourselves, and of God.  He doesn't draw attention to Himself, in the same way that a gymnast's coach doesn't draw attention to himself.  But He is always ready to step in and help us, whenever we need it.

That's the kind of coach I want.

"Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand."

[Psalm 37:24 NLT]