You are not afraid of anything, I get it. It is part of the tough guy (or girl!) mantra that is so prevalent in sports. Ask yourself this question: do you care what others think of you? Honestly. Do you care that if you do not succeed that some people (coaches, fans, family, etc.) may think less of you? That is fear. As an athlete, we so often play out of fear of what others’ may think of us. The interesting thing is that the Bible actually validates the emotion of fear. Matthew 10:28 tells us:

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Did you catch that? Do not fear other people. What can they really do to you? What you need to do is fear the One who has the ultimate authority over everything in this world. This fear is a portion of our faith that responds to God’s holiness, sovereignty, and omnipotence. It is holding God in holy reverence.

There is nothing to fear in this world because Jesus has already conquered everything for you, athlete. His opinion of you matters more than the screaming fans. Trust in that today.

The Hurdle

16 studies designed to help you compete and live with the gospel at the center of your life.

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