God's Promise

"I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people." —Jeremiah 31:33

When I first started coaching volleyball at Sheboygan South High, I was handed a team that hadn’t won a single game the year before. They walked into the gym with the weight of a winless season on their shoulders. For them, it wasn’t just about playing better, it was about rediscovering their confidence and joy.

It was a challenge, but one that I took head on. We started with the basics, focusing on teamwork and trust. I told them, “We have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Let’s focus on working together and having fun.” Slowly, the players began to believe in themselves, and each other.

That season, something remarkable happened. They didn’t just start winning games (although they ended with a .500 record, an incredible turnaround). They learned to celebrate each point, cheer for one another, and care for each other both on and off the court. By the end of the season, they weren’t just a team, they were a family.

It became my favorite team to coach, not because of the wins, but because of the transformation. Watching them support one another and grow was a reminder that success isn’t measured by a scoreboard, it’s measured by the relationships we build and the ways we show up for one another.

The reading from Jeremiah next Sunday reminds me of that season. When God promises to write the covenant on our hearts, it’s not about perfection or instant results. It’s about stepping into the challenge, trusting the process, and leaning into the love and grace that God offers.

This week, think about the moments in your life when you’ve felt that transformation, when you worked through a challenge and discovered something greater than you imagined. God’s promise is there, written on your heart, calling you to cheer for others, care deeply, and believe in the power of community. Together, there’s no telling what we can achieve. Amen.