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| sarah: (08/01/07) Hi Jack... thanks so much for answering questions... i've benefited from reading through questions others have already asked.
i've a decision ahead of me between two soccer coaching opportunities. i've been offered a GA position with a local university. i've also been offered a middle school coaching position. last year i declined the middle school spot and kicked myself for months, as i felt God leading me toward it, and said no. i've asked others who say that the GA position doesn't come along often and i should snatch it up - i could learn from an experienced coach and that experience would lead to other opportunities. i also would get an MBA, which could benefit down the road with my graphic design and photography experience. although i'm now searching for opportunities that are NOT behind a desk. i do wonder with which age group i could be more beneficial and/or which opportunity would enable me to love best. i would come to the middle school without coaching experience, but feel the paper work, etc. would be the tough part, not the coaching. i know the college position is "a great opportunity" but i also know God does things backward many times. the college team would have a handful of games on sundays... those i've asked have said that's okay as long as i'm taking a day to rest and get fed. also, they do a "lotto" to raise money, where fans/supporters buy lottery tickets with the money going to the soccer program. this is a type of gambling correct? would these two areas be better to avoid... or does it matter? also, and finally, i know the story in matthew says that the one who does his fathers will is the one who may have said no at first but goes back and does it. could this apply to the middle school position? i do not want to go back with the motivation to "make up" for a mistake necessarily. or i could just not do either and move to ohio. :o) thanks - sarah |
| Jack: Thanks, Sarah, for opening your heart and sharing the following issue. As I read your description of the two opportunities, I find the following concepts:
Middle School - You once felt God was leading you to this. How did this happen? How did the leading come? Why did you say "no?" - Why did you kick yourself when you turned it down? (I'm sure this would have something to do with God's leading.) I think you need to go back and think through the whole matter again before the Lord. University - People tell you the GA position is hard to get and offers unique opportunities: learning from a coach; you could get an MBA. However, you recognize that these benefits are not necessarily determinative. - You feel uneasy about the Sunday games and the gambling. (The middle school doesn't have games on Sunday? Honoring the Lord's Day has fallen on hard times in recent years. I appreciate your conviction about this matter and also the gambling bit.) Does it matter? Yes, to the degree that "it matters" to you. Don't go against your conscience. Move to Ohio - I have no idea what this means, except that you have another option. Other aspects: - Do you feel you would be able to have more influence on Middle School students than university students? - Way down deep, which would you rather do? Why? Take a half-day to put these issues before the Lord. Ask Him to speak to you. Tell Him you are willing to do whatever He guides you to do. You may not receive a "bolt from the blue," but I'm pretty sure you'll hear a whisper. The major matter is not so much which of these options you choose, but why you do so. Only the Lord knows what will follow from the decision you make. But the issue is not so much the activity you choose but your desire to follow Him and respond to His leading. It will be a growing moment. I'll pray for you. Let me know what you decide - and why. Jack |
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