UNPACK This...About WaitingSample

How Clemson's Rare Strategy Resulted in Championships The Clemson Tigers won the 2016 and 2018 National Championships under the strong leadership of Head Coach, Dabo Swinney. Dabo’s efforts eventually led to great results, but patience was required by Clemson when he first took over the team. Without any head coaching experience, Dabo wasn’t considered a “hot coaching candidate." When first put in charge, there was concern about the program's decision to hire him. 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’d be fired when called into a meeting after the 2010 season. Instead, he got a vote of confidence and was given time to grow. The school’s patience proved to pay off. 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. Coaches aren’t usually given the opportunity to grow and build their team, and often rash decisions are made when winning doesn't happen quickly. Similarly, we are impatient in our own lives. We want answers right away and can’t understand what’s taking God so long! There’s difficulty in accepting how God purposefully grows and builds our faith during waiting periods. With our limited view, we don’t realize all the pieces that fall into place at the right time. Thankfully, God sees the bigger picture. The Bible clearly tells us 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!" We can be encouraged that God is moving in and around us while we wait. Today, let’s not step outside of His plan by being 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 for You to answer my prayers. Fill me with trust and hope…remembering Your power and faithfulness. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.