Fan Approval? Jesus is your ultimate Approver!

November 3, 20206

Personal prayer for coach: Lord, thank You for Jesus. Please raise my awareness of this sin of seeking approval from people. When I chase the crowd’s yes, show me Your cross; when I feel empty without people’s praise, remind me I am already Yours. Amen.

For the coach: Fan approval can fool you! When you depend on the world to meet your needs for approval you are setting yourself up for great disappointment, frustration, anger and bitterness. A Grace-Filled coach knows the difference between fan approval and God Approved! The everlasting promises of God are true (Isaiah 43:4: “you are precious and honored in my sight”). A Grace-Filled coach is consistent and joyful in loss and victory. A Grace-filled coach is free to give his all because he is working to glorify God not filled with anger, frustration or bitterness. Players want to give everything they have for a Grace-Filled Coach. Coach, if this is your struggle start by seeking the face of God, admit your failure and trust only him to establish your true value as one approved. If you need assistance reach out to Coach Bob at FC Grace, he wants to help.

Take-away: “I have been sealed and approved by Christ for eternity.”

Coach to players: How does it feel when I give approval and encouraging words to one player but ignore you? What do you think of me then? There is a desire in every heart for approval. Be careful—the world is messed up. Let the greatest Coach who ever lived, Jesus, be the One who gives you approval: that you are valued, loved, encouraged, and constantly watched over. Go to Jesus and ask Him what He knows and loves about you. That is the greatest approval from the greatest Coach.

Take-away: “I have my true approval from Jesus.”

Prayer sample for coach over the team: Lord, please hear our request and grant us ears to hear You speak words of approval to our minds and hearts. Let us always come to You for true approval instead of this world. We want to stop seeking approval from anyone other than You, Jesus. Amen.