When I am afraid, I will trust in you.—Psalm 56:3 (NIV)
I was up against two of the best disabled ski racers in the world. Both were World Cup champions, one from the United States and the other from Australia. And then there was me, a young amateur who had never won a single race. Any sports psychologist will tell you that confidence is the most important factor in determining your performance in competition. I knew this, but try as I might, I couldn’t calm my fears or anxious nerves. There’s no way I can win this! These guys are too good, I thought.
As the clock signaled the final five seconds before the race began, I decided that I would ski as fast as I could even though I would probably lose. Suddenly, the race began and my adrenaline kicked into high gear as we carved around slalom gates on three identical courses. I immediately fell behind the Australian and spent most of the race in second place. But on the final steep section before the finish line, I caught a burst of speed and pulled ahead.
In the months since that race, I’ve felt the same kind of fears and doubts when I’ve wanted to talk to a friend about my faith or needed the courage to stand up for what is right. In those times God reminds me that He just needs me to be willing, not necessarily confident. The rest is up to Him.
Lord, Yours is the best sports psychology I’ve ever heard. Thank You for calming my anxious heart.
