As a coach, you can give all the right instructions, do all the right drills in practice, and offer all the right encouragement. During the game, however, it’s up to your players to make plays and carry out the strategy that will lead to success. As much as you wish you could actually make things happen on the field or court, you can’t. And that can leave you feeling helpless and powerless at times.

The truth, though, is that you are not powerless when it comes to what matters most in coaching and in life. If you are committed to trusting and following the Lord, you are in a real relationship with the God of unmatched power. As the psalmist declares, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power!” (Psalm 147:5) God is all-powerful. What does this mean? It simply means that God is able to do all that he desires and intends to do.

Here’s what’s amazing: this all-powerful God imparts his power to us as we trust and follow him. Listen to how the Apostle Paul prays for believers in Christ in Colossians 1:11 – “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power…” Consider the implication of this.  Far from being powerless, we receive power from the all-powerful God of the universe.

What is God’s purpose in infusing us with his mighty strength? The God who is able to do all he desires and intends to do gives us his power so that we are able to do all that God desires and intends for us to do. Some examples of what is included in this: “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” (2 Peter 1:3) And returning to Colossians 1:11 – “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.”

It’s true that you are powerless to actually make plays for your players in the midst of competition. However, you have access to God’s power to do what matters far more: be a godly coach who patiently builds into your players’ lives with the goal of making a difference that will endure. God gives you the power to be a truly transformational coach: someone who impacts players, parents, and even the community in a way that God uses to transform them for his glory.

Confidence in God is built on knowing him and his character. Coach, be confident in this: God is all-powerful, and he gives you his power to do all that he desires and intends for you to do. Rather than being hindered by a sense of helplessness, be daily empowered by God’s strength to be the godly coach he wants you to be.