Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)

Our lives can change in an instant! Though consumed with our coaching responsibilities, life continues to happen around us. We tragically lose players and coaching friends to accidents or illness. In the middle of the season we may lose a loved one or face the decision of placing a family member in assisted living. Out of nowhere, we are called into an administrator’s office and told our contract will not be renewed. When these things happen, we are snatched back to the reality that there’s really little in life we control. Where do we turn when life gets rough? Where do we go when the pain seems to drain the life out of us?

Bad things happen and we often ask God to take our pain and suffering away. That’s not His way. But here’s the good news: God promises His grace is all we need. We don’t have to ask God to make His grace sufficient, it already is! In our times of greatest weakness and need, God is with us. Though none of us would volunteer to go through pain and suffering, we could probably agree that we are closer to God during these times. The Apostle Paul is saying if he is closer to Jesus in hard times, bring them on, he will gladly go through them. What about you? Are you going through a tough time right now? You have God’s promise that His grace is enough to get you through. Not over, not under and not around the tough times, but through them.

Father, thank You for Your love. We cling to Your promises as we go through the difficult times of life. When we are weak, You are strong. Teach us Lord, to draw closer to You when the times get tough. Amen.