Most of the greatest coaches in baseball will go unrecognized. They’ll never coach a game that “matters.” They’ll never be invited onto a high school, college, or professional coaching staff. They’ll never speak at a coaches’ convention. They’ll never be on television, be interviewed by media outlets, or host a podcast.

But, make no mistake, they are incredible.

Proverbs 13:14–“The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death” (NASB).

Coach, you may never be famous or be recognized for what you do, but your teaching and wisdom is a fountain of life for the kids you’re coaching. You have no idea (or maybe you do) what those kids face at home and school. Their time with you may be the only time each week when someone truly loves them, protects them, and teaches them with patience.

Keep going.

You are being used by God in ways you cannot see. That young man on your team may never make it to the Majors, but you may be able to show him how to live, which is far more important. That kid playing in the dirt may seem to ignore you, but he hears and feels everything you do for him.

Keep going.

Be a fountain of life. Keep praying for those kids. Keep loving them like Jesus does. Keep pouring into them. You just might be instrumental in turning them “from the snares of death” and ruin.

Keep going.

Here’s a prayer:

Lord, coaching is thankless and often discouraging. Please help me to see the bigger picture. I need your endurance. Make me like you. Amen.