“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
– Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)

Sometimes we’re too close to a situation to see what’s really going on. Most coaches like being on the sidelines. Standing on the sidelines puts us close to the action and allows us to be involved in the natural flow of the game. It seems easier to interact with the players and coaches as offensive and defensive adjustments are made. There can also be negatives to being on the sidelines. Our view of the action can be limited and even distorted. Being too close to the action can limit our perspective. That’s why we put coaches in the press box. The “eye in the sky” gives us a different viewpoint and we get a much larger and far more accurate picture of what’s taking place on the field. In the play-calling process, coaches on the sidelines trust the view from the press box.

Isaiah, the Hebrew prophet, tells us we’re wise when we put our full trust in God. Why? Because God has a much better perspective than we do. How often do we stubbornly try to call the plays for our own life from the sidelines, trusting in our own limited and distorted viewpoint? Why is it so hard to let God call the plays from the press box? A. W. Tozer says, “God must do everything for us. Our part is to yield and trust.” God is a jealous God. He knows us better than we know ourselves and He wants us to always focus on Him first. Our Heavenly Father will meet our every need. We may not know the time or way these needs will come about, but we must always strive to remain steadfast and confident that His will is going to be done.

Lord, Your are a jealous God and I know You want all of me, not just part of me. Take away my doubt and my pride. Teach me today to put my complete trust in You and Your Word. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.