In this blog series, I'm looking at faith gaps caused by fear.
I'm a burnt orange-blooded Texas Longhorns fan. My Heart Attack Horns played several close football games this season, eventually falling just short of the national championship game.
As impressed as I was with their play, I was even more impressed by their serenity. This team possessed and expressed their Christian faith more than any prior edition. They attributed their serenity in crucial situations to a faith in Jesus that made circumstances become trivial. It was truly inspiring to hear and watch.
I'll quote from two of the team's leaders, both on and off the field.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers, whom coach Steve Sarkisian called "a stable sea," said this: "I just try to be that calm within the storm for all the guys, and I think that my relationship with Jesus has helped me in that specific way of knowing that no matter what happens, that He’s going to be there for me. He’s still going to love me." This from a young man who received tremendous criticism for every little mistake he made on the field. Can you imagine having that kind of pressure and criticism in your life? Yet Ewers could block it out because he relied on Jesus.
Cornerback Jahdae Barron, who was named the best defensive back in the nation, said, "I wanted things done on my time. But it doesn’t work like that. God has everything planned. It’s already written. And all you have to do is just keep going with the process and just trusting the process and then allowing everybody to be a plus in your life and trusting everybody. So just literally relying on God." He pointed to Psalm 105:1.
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness and show the whole world what He has done.
After Texas lost in the semifinal to Ohio State, Barron asked the media to stick around the postgame press conference for one more minute so he could praise God for the opportunity to use his gifts and to put perspective on losing when people were suffering from wildfires in LA and tragedy in New Orleans. You can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3755861361411274
Oh, for faith like that! Oh, for serenity to face difficult circumstances and know that no matter the outcome, win or lose, your life glorifies God, and Jesus loves you.
How can we do the same, overcoming fear to live a fearless, vibrant life? A lot of prayer. Substantial meditation and mind control. Utter reliance on the Lord. And keeping Psalm 105:1 at the forefront in whatever we do.
How can you put your faith into daily practice in 2025? Take some ideas away from my Practical Faith Academy podcast interview of Lori Hatcher, author, speaker, and dental hygienist. Link to it from CecilTaylorMinistries.com/free-content.
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