Every athlete wants to succeed. It’s rooted in our DNA as competitors. I’m no different. In my job as a footballer, I really, really want to do well.
There is nothing wrong with being successful, but for me, my constant striving has been rooted in perfectionism. The need to excel on the pitch has led to an on-and-off battle with anxiety. It’s not all the time–I’ve had plenty of games where I’ve felt God’s peace, strength, and power.
But the spiritual enemy works against us. In the moments when I’ve let my guard down, these feelings of worry, little whispers in my mind, swoop in and take me by surprise. I haven’t found the perfect solution. I’m working on continually surrendering my fears to God, but I am human and will not reach perfection this side of eternity.
What I have come to know is how deeply dependent I am upon the grace of God. In my weakness, I experience His power. My worst moments can become my greatest testimony. While I strive for excellence, I don't need to be perfect because Jesus, the one who is perfect, loves me as I am.
I want to stay healthy, compete at the level I believe I’m capable of, and ultimately have a good career. Despite my best intentions, this has proven to be quite a burden to bear.
However my career turns out, whether or not the world judges me as a success, it’s out of my control. Only God knows how my career is going to go. As it unfolds, He is redefining my idea of what a “good career” looks like by bringing to light things that are hiding in the dark and using my struggles and challenges to shape me into the man I am today.
God didn’t give me this task of playing football for it to destroy me. He gave me this gift, this opportunity to do something I love, to produce Godly character in me and make me more like Jesus. He wants to do the same thing in you too!
Challenge
How are you defining success in your life and career? As the world defines it, or as God defines it?
Who in your life can you speak to about pressure, anxiety, or fear? How can a friend, family member, mentor, or coach help you shoulder that burden?
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