Week 40 | ANXIETY

A popular Michael Jordan quote is, "Any fear is an illusion. You think something is standing in your way, but nothing is really there. What is there is an opportunity to do your best and gain some success."

He has also been quoted saying, "Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion."

Those quotes sound great, and they sometimes help me feel more confident, but fear and ANXIETY is a real reality for many of us coaches and athletes. Fear and ANXIETY are both weapons of Satan to keep us from experiencing the full life that God has planned for us. Our emotions can overwhelm us and keep us paralyzed, but God said, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you (Isaiah 43:2)."

Don't quit. Don't give in. Inch, by inch, keep moving forward. ANXIETY can be tough to overcome. It can keep you from working your hardest and doing your best. But don't lose heart and grow weary (Galatians 6:9). Find comfort and peace through reading the Bible, by praying, and by constantly renewing your mind (Romans 12:2) and taking captive every thought you have and making it obedient to Jesus (2nd Corinthians 10:4-5).

Remember that the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline (2nd Timothy 1:7). God will give you everything that you need, exactly when you need it. His Word will light your path. God has specific plans for you to prosper and to have hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). The devil comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus came so that we may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, until it overflows (John 10:10).

Replace your ANXIETY and fears with hope. Have hope that God already knows what is going to happen, how it is going to happen, and when it is going to happen. It will all work itself out. Just make sure that whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23).

This Week

1 - Have a plan for working through your ANXIETY and fears. Write down what is making you anxious. Then write down why it is making you anxious. Finally write down 1-3 next steps that you can do or need to do. Having a concrete plan and action items can help you focus on what you can control instead of worrying about what you can't control.

Pray: God, I need You. With you, I can do all things. Please help me see what I need to see and focus on what I need to focus on. I know that You are always with me and watching over me. I know that the thief will try to attack my mind and that they thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. I also know that you sent Jesus so that I may enjoy life! Please continue to lead me, guide me, and light my path.