Perhaps the most challenging aspect of a coach’s job is managing stubborn athletes who refuse to follow team rules. Can you imagine coaching the flamboyant Dennis Rodman, the former NBA star of the Chicago Bulls? Once, Jackson got a mid-game call from Rodman while he was waiting for him to arrive. Jackson asked him, “Dennis, what am I supposed to tell the press?” He hung up, and that night he went to Detroit and wrestled with Hulk Hogan.

Exodus 32-33 – Crowd Control

As Israel waited for Moses to return from speaking with God, her “stiff-necked,” rebellious nature resurfaced in Exodus 32:9-10. Despite Jehovah’s miraculous deliverance from slavery, His provision of food and water in the desert, and His defense from the Amalekites, substantial numbers of Israelites demanded a visible God. Egypt’s gods rode on a bull calf, and the world’s influence on Israel was great.

To avoid conflict, Aaron tried to please the people under him instead of the God above Him! He fashioned a golden calf and built an altar for burnt offerings. The people forgot the Living God and worshipped a lifeless idol. (Psalm 106:19-23). Aaron was guilty of treason against the nation and idolatry against God. We always reap what we sow, even if sin is forgiven. Waiting for God is never easy, but handling delays measures maturity. Do we drift into sin while waiting upon God? Do we resign ourselves to “fate”? Or does our commitment become greater as we wait for Him to lead?

Waiting often reveals who or what has our heart. A faithful leader doesn’t change direction simply because the crowd gets restless; he remains committed to God’s truth even when obedience is unpopular. Never let the pressure to please people outweigh your desire to please God.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete patiently wait upon God rather than drifting toward disobedience. They know the consequences of sin when they reap what they sow.