The Clemson Tigers are continuing to celebrate their National Championship. They are looking forward to the future with great excitement because of the strong program that has been built.
Head Coach Dabo Swinney has done a phenomenal job, and I’m amazed at the way Clemson showed patience early on when he took over the team. Never having been a head coach, Dabo was not considered a “hot coaching candidate.” When first put in charge, many questions were raised, and there were concerns and criticism about the program’s decision.
During his first full season in 2009, the team went 9-5 and then 6-7 the following year. Most unproven coaches don’t survive that kind of start, and Dabo thought he was going to be fired when his athletic director called a meeting after the 2010 season. Instead, he got a vote of confidence and was given time to grow.
We know now that the school’s patience was well worth it. Aaron Torres wrote in an article for Fox Sports stating, “They’ve proven there is more than one way to build a program. That cycling through coaches isn’t always the answer, and that it’s OK to hire a guy you believe in, and be patient as his vision plays out.”
Patience in sports is rare and most owners or athletic directors want to win a championship overnight – instead of waiting for a coach to grow and build his team. Often rash decisions are made when winning doesn’t happen as quickly as they think it should.
Similarly, we are impatient in our own lives. We want answers right away and desire for God to move immediately in the ways we think He should. We can’t understand what’s taking Him so long!
It’s very difficult for us to acknowledge that during the waiting period, God is growing and building our faith. We also don’t realize all the pieces that will fall into place at the right time because we have a limited view. Thankfully, God sees the bigger picture.
The Bible is clear that waiting is important. Lamentations 3:25 (ESV) says, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.“ Psalm 27:14 (ESV) also tells us to “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Today, we can be encouraged that while we wait God is still moving in us and around us. Let’s not step outside of His plan because we’re impatient…instead, let’s learn to wait well while being filled with trust and hope. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I need Your strength as I wait. It’s easy to be impatient because I want You to answer my prayers right away. I pray that You would fill me with trust and hope as I remember Your power and faithfulness. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
