Good Thing I’m Not God

I’m a nice guy, just ask me.  But one thing I’m not qualified to be is God.  Let’s put aside theological arguments about the qualities of God, and let’s just look at a few simple reasons why it’s actually a wonderful thing that God is nothing like us.

 

Jesus

Obvious, right?  If I were asked to sentence one of my children to a horrific death, the answer would be an emphatic, “NO!”  Not now, not ever.  I would never sentence my children to any death, much less a brutal, public, execution on a cross.  Especially if it were to save people who constantly hurt me, offended me, and didn’t obey me.  If God had any human-like thoughts in this space, Jesus wouldn’t have come to earth for our salvation, and we’d all be destined to eternity in hell. Thankfully, God is different; God is God.

Forgiveness

We’re all taught to forgive.  However, it’s easier said than done.  When someone hurts us, it takes effort to forgive.  How about when someone hurts us repeatedly?  In Matthew 18:22 (NIV), Jesus answers the question about how many times we should forgive, “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”  In biblical times, that didn’t literally mean 77 times, it meant infinity.  If I were God, there would have been a limit; there would not have been “full and final forgiveness” for every single past, present, and future sin.  Thankfully, God is different; God is God.

Mercy & Grace

Mercy is not getting what you deserve, and grace is getting something you don’t deserve.  If I were God, I’d have no trouble extending mercy and grace to some.  I’d have a hard time always extending both gifts to everyone.  I’m sure there would be times when I’d want to give someone what they deserve.  A few strategically placed lightning bolts would be fun, right?  Not for God.  Because of our sinful nature, we deserve death and eternity in hell. Thanks to His mercy, death and hell aren’t inevitable.  Because of our sinful nature, we don’t deserve His love, mercy, favor, blessings, or any of His gifts for that matter.  Thanks to His grace, we receive all of these gifts that we don’t deserve. If I were God, neither mercy nor grace would be handed out so freely. Thankfully, God is different; God is God.

Meeting Place

If I were God, I’d want you to meet me on my terms.  I’d want you to clean up your life, stop sinning so much, beat those addictions, get your life together, and then we’ll talk.  Fortunately, God does the opposite.  God meets us where we are.  He comes into our mess.  He accepts us in spite of our evil hearts, in spirt of what we’ve done, and in spite of our past. He is the God of second chances. He’s also the God of third, fourth, fifth, and infinite chances.  If I were God, none of that would happen until you cleaned up your act, and there wouldn’t be infinite chances.  Thankfully, God is different; God is God.

Crazy Love

I consider myself a loving person.  In fact, I think most people would categorize themselves similarly.  We love our spouses, we love our families, and we love our friends. As Christians, we’re taught to love everyone.  That’s easier said than done.  How do you love people who are difficult? How do you love people who are inherently evil?  I try to love everyone, but if I’m honest, I’m not always successful.  Aside from family and close friends, my love is not always unconditional.  Not only that, but my love isn’t something I’d describe as crazy or reckless.  Not like God.  God puts it all out there.  He loves everyone, unconditionally, and with a crazy, reckless love that I can’t even comprehend.  It’s mind-blowing to think that God loves us in spite of who we are and in spite of how much we’ve sinned against Him.  It’s crazy to think He let His only son, Jesus, die on a cross for us.  It’s crazy to think that despite the fact that we keep running away from Him, He keeps pursuing us.  If people didn’t want to follow me after a few tries, I’d stop pursuing them.  If people didn’t love me back, I’d stop loving them.  Thankfully, God is different; God is God.

Amazing Beyond Words

Isn’t it amazing?  God is so faithful.  God is so good.  God loves us so much and in such a reckless, crazy, incomprehensible way that He sacrificed His son for us, He forgives us fully and finally for all past, present, and future sins, He continually extends mercy and grace to everyone, He meets us in our messy lives rather than waiting for us to clean it up.  No human could ever do that, especially me.  Thankfully, God is different; God is God.

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

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God Put You There for a Reason

It was the Tuesday after Memorial Day, and I wasn’t in a good mood.  Every day of the long weekend had been spent on the boat, enjoying the beautiful Michigan weather. Today was back to work, and I wasn’t able to get my usual early morning flight to Dallas.  As with most short weeks, it was a jam-packed day, so by the time five o’clock rolled around, I wanted to relax and unwind.  Instead, I ended up spending my evening in the air.

I arrived in Dallas at about ten o’clock and grabbed an Uber.  Usually, I get some work done on the ride, but for some reason unknown to me, tonight was different.  Instead of working, I engaged and talked with the driver.  After some small talk, she told me her night was supposed to end before picking me up, but because she was already at the airport and I was going to a hotel very close to her home, she decided to take one more job.  She said this rarely happens and that it was odd for her to be working this late.  I explained that I rarely travel on Tuesday evenings, so it was just as odd for me to be in this place at this time.  

During the ride, she explained that driving is a part-time job because she has a special needs child.  She then went on to share about how it’s been really tough lately and that it’s wearing on her and her husband, as they don’t see many signs of hope for their son’s improvement.  My friends Fred and Judy have a special needs son, Brent.  Fred has always told me that he believes God chose them as Brent’s parents as a way to strengthen their relationship with God and each other.  I happen to agree.  I truly believe that God carefully chooses only the best of the best to parent special-needs children.  I spent a few minutes sharing Fred’s story of hope and faith with my Uber driver.  I reassured her that God has a special plan for her life, her marriage, and her son.

For what seemed like minutes, there was nothing but crickets.  It wasn’t an awkward silence, as I could tell something was stirring inside her.  Finally, she responded with, “Wow, I guess I’ve been looking at the wrong way.  You’ll never know how much I needed to hear that. Thank you.”  More crickets.

Then she said, “As long as we’re at it, I have another problem, can you help me here too?”  We both chuckled, and the mood lightened. She then explained that her and her husband have rental property that the renters have completely destroyed, and they’re being told the house is now worthless.  We talked about it, and finally I asked, “Is the property local, and have you been checking on it along the way?” She said, “No, it’s on a small island up north that you’ve never heard of.”  I don’t know why, but I said, “Try me.”  She said, “Ok.  I’ll play.  It’s called Harsens Island.”  Now the crickets were on my side. I was legitimately freaked out.  

I said, “You’re not going to believe this, but I live five miles from Harsens Island, I can see it from my house, and I spent the entire weekend boating around Harsens.  Except for Saturday morning, when I was riding my bike on Harsens Island.  The crickets again took over, and it became eerily silent.  I’m not sure she believed me at first, and I couldn’t figure out how or why this was all happening.

We were both stunned, and we talked about the island, some common places, and I even shared that we ate at Sans Souci restaurant the night before.  She said, “Our rental property is just a few houses from Sans Souci. That’s my favorite restaurant in the world, and we were great friends with the owners when we lived there.”  I said, “Then you don’t have a problem, because even if the house is destroyed, I have to believe that any property on Harsens Island is worth a small fortune.”  She couldn’t believe it as they hadn’t been on Harsens Island in 25 years – this was a retirement property they’d bought way back when.   

By this time, we were pulling up to my hotel.  She stopped the car, looked back, and said, “I was about to go home, I had no intention of taking another job, and I have no idea why I did.  I also have no idea where you came from or why you’re in this car, but those two areas of my life have been spiraling out of control and causing nothing but trouble.  Now, I have a renewed sense of hope. I can’t wait to share all this with my husband – I’m sure he will feel the same way I do.”  

I told her that I too couldn’t explain how we ended up in this conversation.  Without God’s hand being in this, the odds of this happening were beyond the realm of possibility.  There were too many seemingly impossible coincidences for this to be a random coincidence.  God had put us both at that place and at that time for a reason.

As I went to get out of the car, I just looked at her and said, “The only explanation I can come up with is that God has a beautiful plan for your life, and you just needed some hope.  Maybe He wanted me to give you that hope.

As I got out of the car, I said, “I pray God blesses you and your family immensely.”  Tears were streaming down her face, as she struggled to get the words “thank you” out.  After checking into the hotel and getting to my room, I looked out the window and happened to look down.  The car hadn’t moved, and I could see she was still sitting there, likely processing what had just happened.

God knew what He was doing that day.  He knew what He was doing when I didn’t get my usual flight and ended up on a very rare Tuesday evening flight, He knew what He was doing when he had her take one more job. 

The next time you’re unhappy with your circumstances, remember that God may not be putting you where you want to be but rather where He needs you to be.

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

Check out In Our Weakness We Are Strong on Amazon at  https://amz.run/3fv1

Learn more about Dave VanEpps or request a speaking engagement at www.davevanepps.com

 

One Team

When I began participating in the sport of triathlon, I didn’t think I’d need a team.  After all, one person swims, bikes, and runs the course alone, so how could it possibly be a team sport?  God showed me otherwise.

While training for Ironman Louisville, I was part of a triathlon team, and we were all very dependent on each other. This team provided many of the benefits of any sports team.  We encouraged each other, motivated each other, held each other accountable to show up and do our best, and we collectively improved together.  The team also provided many of the benefits of any community.  We picked each other up, listened to each other, and supported one another through life’s challenges. 

God’s Design for Teamwork

God’s design for life is all about teamwork. This community-oriented structure has existed since the beginning of time, with the Trinity of God including God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.  

This design for community is also reflected at the origin of human history.  Genesis 2:18 says, “The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.’”  Later, in verse 22, God created woman.

The Bible uses the body of Christ as a metaphor for teamwork.  1 Corinthians 12:12-14 says, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”  Here the Apostle Paul talks about the body being one, much like a team.  He also acknowledges that the many parts form a single body, similar to how many players form a single team.

God wants us to collectively be the body of Christ.  Everyone is needed, and everyone plays an equally important and vital role in the success of the church.  Because of our individual uniqueness, we work together and complement each other.  When we all work together as God’s church, our team can become a very powerful force for Him.

Life’s a Team Sport

God’s design for teamwork applies to life as well as sports.  Shortly after training for Louisville began, I was pushing my limits in the pool and trying to sustain a pace much faster than that which I could maintain.  My swim came to a screeching halt, as I realized that something was wrong with my shoulder.

After a few weeks of rest and ice, my shoulder wasn’t getting any better.  I reluctantly went to the doctor, and the MRI confirmed I had a 50% tear in my rotator cuff.  This was another one of those breaking points we all encounter in life.  It was definitely a moment that could have ruined my season.  

Much like the other breaking points I’d hit over the years, this was an opportunity for God to teach me something and to turn this weakness into a strength.  That strength came in the form of my team.  

In the next few weeks, I worked closely with my expanded team, which now also consisted of an orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist.  I continued working with our coaches to develop a stronger kick, and one coach even showed me how to swim with one arm.  Of course, I leaned heavily on my teammates, and they kept my spirits up while I was struggling to recover and preparing to pull off the race.

Come race day, I was prepared both physically and mentally.  I was able to complete the swim and have a very successful, enjoyable race.  More importantly, my team was in it together, as we all celebrated along the course and at the finish line.

God’s Call to Action

• Live in community.  Have a group of 2 a.m. friends who would be there for you in the middle of the night if you needed help.  Build those relationships and be a 2 a.m. friend for them as well.  Most Bible-based churches offer opportunities to participate in small groups, which are typically groups who periodically get together for Bible studies, topical studies, or just to connect.  Often, these groups become those 2 a.m. friends, so if you don’t yet have a tight group of close friends, especially those who can help you grow spiritually, consider a small group.
• Be the church.  Remember that the early church was not a physical building.  It was a group of believers who moved out in their communities to share the love of Jesus Christ.  Find those opportunities on your team, in your school, in your workplace, in your neighborhood.  Wherever you go, you are the church.
• Stay connected.  Whether you participate in team sports or individual sports, keep in mind that you are part of a team.  No man is an island, so no matter what you do, you do it with others.  Even when you can’t physically be near others, find ways to connect. With modern day technology, we’re all finding new ways to stay connected despite not always being in close physical proximity.  

Life’s a team sport.  Play it that way!

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

Check out In Our Weakness We Are Strong on Amazon at  https://amz.run/3fv1

Learn more about Dave VanEpps or request a speaking engagement at www.davevanepps.com

Speak Victory

The subconscious mind is responsible for roughly 95% of the programming that takes place in our brain. “Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality” ~Earl Nightingale.  

The words we allow into our brain are critical in terms of both our own self-programming and how those closest to us program themselves.  Speaking words of truth and life can positively impact how others see themselves. Small words of truth and positivity can stay with someone a long time.  Conversely, speaking words of negativity can adversely impact others in ways we can’t imagine.  Rachel Wolchin once said, “Be mindful when it comes to your words. A string of some that don’t mean much to you, may stick with someone else for a lifetime.”

God’s Perspective

God has a lot to say about the power of words – the power to do good, the power to do evil.  I remember times in my life when people spoke positive words into me, and they motivated, inspired, and led me to take action.  Unfortunately, I remember times when people spoke negative words that deflated, discouraged, and led me to give up.  “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) 

Matthew chapter 12 shares some words directly from Jesus. In verse 34, Jesus says, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good?  For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”  Jesus said this to show us that words don’t just come out of our mouths, they are a reflection of the condition of our heart.  If our heart is in a bad place, our words will follow.  If our heart is aligned with the heart of Jesus, our words will also follow.

Verses 36-37 then say, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  That’s not a conversation I look forward to.  I think we’ve all unloaded our share of “empty” words. 

In Ephesians 4:29, the author, Paul, says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Paul realized both the power of words and the value of community.  Can you imagine what the world would look like if everyone spoke words that would consistently build others up according to their needs?

God’s Words About You

It’s important to recognize the voice of God versus the voice of the enemy.  The voice of God will always speak truths that are consistent with His word.  The enemy, however, will speak lies that are in direct conflict with God’s word.  Our conscious brain needs to recognize the difference and filter out the negative messages so that they don’t become part of our subconscious mind. Here are a few truths about what God says about you:

• Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” Yes, you were made in the image of God.
• Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” You were wonderfully made by the Creator of the universe.
• Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.  He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Can you picture God taking such great delight in you that He rejoices with singing?
• John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God loves you so much that He gave His Son to die a horrible death so that you may be saved.
• Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Jesus said this, and He values you so much that He wants your light to shine throughout the world.
• Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God has great plans for you – all you need to do is surrender to Him.

God’s words are words of life, truth, and victory. Those words are God speaking directly about you and to you.  This is what your subconscious mind should have permanently engraved in it as the truth about who you are.

You have choices when it comes to words:

• You can choose which words you accept as truth.  Choose the word of God.
• You can choose which words you reject as lies.  Reject the words of the world and the enemy.
• You can carefully choose which words you speak unto others.  Speak truth, speak hope, speak life, and speak victory.

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

Check out In Our Weakness We Are Strong on Amazon at  https://amz.run/3fv1

Learn more about Dave VanEpps or request a speaking engagement at www.davevanepps.com

Competitive Mindset

God has an amazing heart for athletes and competition.  The Bible is filled with stories that speak to competition and its inherent challenges.  Perhaps the most popular verse for runners comes from 1 Corinthians 9:24, which says “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  However, with God, it’s not all about winning.  It’s about training, it’s about character, and it’s about living the life He intended for you to live.

Have you ever signed up for something and then wondered what you were thinking?  I had no idea why I signed up for my second marathon.  I thought back to why I had competed in the first marathon, and there were several elements at work:

• I was motivated to prove wrong the people who said I’d never be able to run a marathon
• There was definitely a challenge involved, in which I wanted to prove something to myself
• I enjoyed the camaraderie of the runners I trained with, and completing a marathon was a common bond that the team shared
• Having played team sports growing up, and then being a weightlifter, competitive running was an exciting opportunity to try a new sport

Those were my secular motives.  The question was, what did God think of this?

What Does God Say About Competition? 

God has a lot to say about competition and the competitive mindset.  1 Corinthians 9:25 says, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”  Paul, the author of 1 Corinthians, talks about how only one runner can receive the prize.  However, he doesn’t say that if you’re not the best, don’t try.  Instead, he says to run with the intention of obtaining the prize.  Work hard.  Train hard.  Run hard.  He quickly takes this metaphor to a level that translates athletic training into spiritual training.  He says that we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Those same disciplines used in athletics, training, and competition are required as we pursue eternity with Jesus Christ.  

God wants you to work hard, train hard, run hard, and compete.  However, as athletes, He expects more.  In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul says, “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  The New International Version of the Bible replaces the phrase “do nothing from rivalry or conceit” to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.” The New Living Translation version replaces this phrase with “don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.”  God’s stance is clearly that we should do nothing out of conceit, vanity, selfishness, or a need to impress others.  

In another book of the Bible authored by Paul, 2 Timothy, he continues with the theme of competition.  “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” ~2 Timothy 2:5. This verse speaks another of God’s truths on competition as well as life.  God wants us to be fair and to play by the rules – no cheating allowed.

Lastly, Paul authored another book called Colossians, and in Colossians 3:17 he says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Perhaps that’s the most powerful verse about the competitive mindset.  It’s the same as the mindset God wants for us in all things, “Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

In Summary

If we summarize what’s found throughout scripture, it boils down to this:

• Work hard.  Train hard.  Run hard. 
• Compete to win the prize.  Do your best.
• Train spiritually in the same way that you train athletically
• Do nothing out of conceit, vanity, selfishness, or a need to impress others
• Be humble. Put others first.
• Play fair
• Do everything in the name of Jesus

Jesus won the victory over death. Jesus won the victory over sin. This was God’s plan from the beginning - to give us a game plan for winning at life. Jesus is our life coach. We are on His team. His playbook is the Bible. 

God loves you and has a perfect plan for your life.  He wants you to train spiritually in the same ways you train athletically.  He wants you to do your best.  He wants you to live an abundantly blessed life, filled with success, winning, and love.  He wants your heart such that you do it all for Him and His glory.  When your performance becomes a true sacrifice to Jesus Christ, and when you give it all back to the one who created you, you’ll have already won.  

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

Check out In Our Weakness We Are Strong on Amazon.com at  https://amz.run/3fv1

Learn more about Dave VanEpps or request a speaking engagement at www.davevanepps.com

2020: The Year of Lemonade

 

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade, right?  What do you do when 2020 hands you a lot of lemons?  Simple, make more lemonade. 

In a year marked by words like Covid, wildfires, racial injustice, murder hornets, social distancing, and a crazy election, how could anyone possibly make lemonade from these lemons?  I don’t know – why don’t we ask companies like Zoom, Lysol, DoorDash, GrubHub, Uber Eats, Amazon, and Netflix? They were opportunistic when it comes to 2020 – you can be too.

What about you?  What opportunities did you (and do you still) have to make lemons in 2020?  There are plenty!

Crisis = Opportunity

There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “A crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind.”  Crisis equates to danger, but it also equates to opportunity. Let’s not be dismissive of the fact that lives were lost, businesses closed down, and people were adversely impacted.  2020 was filled with sad stories. However, 2020 was also filled with opportunities that get very little airtime.

They say life’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond.  You can accept the bad news and write 2020 off as a bad year, or you can find an opportunity and make the most of it.  It’s your choice.

God’s Perspective

The Bible may not use Chinese proverbs or talk specifically about lemonade, but God’s word says plenty about responding to adversity.

• John 16:33 says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
• Joshua 1:9 says, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
• James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
• Psalm 34:19 says, “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all”
• Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” 

God’s word is clear - you will face adversity.  It is equally clear that God is with you and that He’s already won eternal victory over death.  The trials we face build perseverance for the long run. God will deliver you from your troubles and give you peace, and He wants you to rejoice, always.  Yes, even in 2020!

Best Practices

Many people have used 2020 as a time to make lemonade.  

• We’ve freed up time that used to be spent traveling, eating out, commuting, and in certain social activities.  Many have found ways to repurpose that time as quality time with God, family, and friends. Many have repurposed that time to read, learn, and improve themselves.  
• With the reduction of in-house dining at many restaurants, many have taken a renewed focus on healthier eating and exercise habits.
• With the increase in people working from home, many have found ways to be more flexible and improve their work life balance. In fact, we just returned from a week at our daughter’s apartment, where we spent quality time together while working remotely.

Your Opportunity

Make no mistake, when we look back on 2020, there will be two groups of people. There will be those who embraced the negativity, and there will be those who sought opportunity to make the most of challenging times.  The question is, which group will you fall into?

Regardless of how your 2020 has taken shape so far, we’re far from out of this.  You still have time to make your version of lemonade. Why not start with the simple things, like peace.  Jesus said you can have it in Him.  Believe in Him and declare Him the Lord of your life and experience all He has to offer.  Fearlessly face the trials, for God is with you.  Build up the spiritual perseverance God wants for all of us. Rejoice in all things.  Lastly, look at some of the best practices, and consider how to repurpose your time for the greatest good.

Time, like money, is finite and requires prioritization.  Prioritize your time.  Prioritize your life. Then live according to your priorities. Through crisis comes opportunity. Make 2020 your opportunity of a lifetime.

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

Check out In Our Weakness We Are Strong on Amazon.com at  https://amz.run/3fv1

Learn more about Dave VanEpps or request a speaking engagement at www.davevanepps.com

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

I used to be the antithesis of an endurance athlete. I loved lifting weights, but I hated anything having to do with cardio. At one point I sustained a shoulder injury that kept me out of the weight room. A friend asked if I’d like to run with him.  He’d asked me dozens of times before, but I had no interest.  This time, he knew I had no choice. We started with three miles, and over the course of the next several weeks we ran in the 3-5 mile range each day.  One day we tried a different route, and we ended up going 7 miles. At that point, Carl told me, “That’s more than 50% of a half-marathon.  A half-marathon is completely in reach.  But more importantly, if you can do a half-marathon, you can do a marathon.  Let’s run a marathon together!”

I was terrified.

Fear

Fear is a natural, human instinct that was instilled in us for a very good reason.  Simply stated, it keeps us from doing stupid things. However, not all fear is real, or healthy.  In fact, there’s a saying that fear stands for False Expectations Appearing Real.  Many times, these fears are not grounded in reality, and they can become unhealthy, consuming, exhausting emotions that cripple you and keep you from living the life you were meant to live. Fear is the number one reason people don’t pursue their goals, their passions, and their callings in life.

While there are many types of fear, the following categories of fear are common amongst athletes:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of not having what it takes
• Fear of what others think

What are you most afraid of? Are you afraid of losing? Afraid of trying? Afraid of what others may think? Are you afraid of disappointing friends or family? Are you afraid of winning, which then sets new expectations for future performance? Afraid that you’re not good enough?  Rest assured, you’re not alone.

Another Perspective on Fear

“’Lord, if it’s you,’ Peter replied, ‘tell me to come to you on the water.’  ‘Come,’ Jesus said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’” ~Matthew 14:22-23. Peter was in the safety of the boat when Jesus walked on water past the boat.  Initially, with the encouragement of Jesus, Peter had the courage to step out of his comfort zone and walk on water.  Consistent with human nature, he then took his eyes off Jesus and became afraid.

God has a lot to say about fear.  In fact, the Bible is filled with phrases similar to “do not be afraid,” and the most common phrase after those words is, “for I am with you.”  Satan may be in the business of instilling fear into our mind, but the word of God repeatedly tells us not to be afraid that you have what it takes, not to be afraid of failure, not to be afraid of what others think, and, in general, not to be afraid because you are His child.  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” ~Joshua 1:9.

Satan knows that fear prevents people from pursuing their goals, their passions, and their callings.  If Satan can instill enough fear to prevent us from taking action, he can keep us from doing God’s work.  Unfortunately, he’s really, really good at it. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” ~John 10:10. Satan’s goal is to destroy our lives, and lies are his number weapon, including the lie of fear.  

Get to the Starting Line

After laughing at Carl over his ridiculous idea of running a marathon, I ended up thinking about it.  While I was busy thinking and evaluating, he and I continued to run, and by the time our runs exceeded 10 miles, I realized that training for a marathon was in the realm of possibility.  Over time, I agreed, and we signed up for the 1999 Buffalo Marathon.  Despite gaining confidence along the way, I remained fearful.  Would I fail?  Do I have what it takes to run a marathon?  Will others laugh at me if I fail?  Will others laugh at me if I’m slow?  All these fears kept running through my mind.

The Race

It was an unseasonably warm day in Buffalo, NY, with all the elements of spring – sunshine, flowers blooming, and birds singing.  It also meant temperatures that were much warmer than what I’d been training in.

As the race began, I was gripped with fear.  Would I finish?  Would I finish in a respectable time?  Would others laugh at how slow I am?  Would others think I’m not a “real runner” if I didn’t make the full distance?  I had a hard time of letting go of my fear initially.

Once the race began, the first 18 miles went as planned, but they say the marathon is a tale of two races: 18 miles and then 8.2 miles. The challenge this day would be the last 8.2 miles.  Miles 19, 20, and 21 went well.  Mile 22 is when trouble reared its ugly head.  At one point on mile 22, I started feeling extremely hot but surprisingly dry.  Then I realized I was no longer sweating and was in trouble.  At that point in the race we were downwind from the Buffalo Zoo, and the smell of animals put me over the top.  I stopped and gagged for a while.  Then I found some fresh air and shade, and I grabbed some water and ice chips before finishing the race.

Not a single person questioned my time, my ability, or whether I was a "real runner."  The fact that I gave it my best effort was enough. The fact that I crossed the finish line was a bonus.

The Challenge

Think about your fears.  What are you most afraid of?  Is that fear real, and if so, how likely is it to materialize?  Why are you afraid of it?  Is your fear rooted in what others may think of you?  Is that fear something that should control your emotions?  

Then, put your trust in the following truths:

• You are wonderfully made in the image of God, so you already have what it takes
• You are enough. What you accomplish, or not, doesn’t define who you are as a person
• You can trust in the Lord and face your fears with confidence
• God has plans for you, so neither fear nor failure can ever be final.  His plan will prevail if you allow it. 
• You can do all things through Christ, so go forward and boldly live the life you were meant to live

Welcome to the new you.  Enjoy the journey... 

Check out In Our Weakness We Are Strong on Amazon at  https://amz.run/3fv1

Learn more about Dave VanEpps or request a speaking engagement at www.davevanepps.com