Fear factor

I recently learned an interesting distinction between buffaloes and cattle. When faced with an impending storm on the great planes, which often contained tornadoes and high winds, the animals handled the sitiation differently.

Cattle would see the storm and turn to try and outrun it. Buffaloe would turn into the storm and run into it. The buffaloe would be at their strongest when they entered the storm because they had not attempted to flee it. However, the cattle would be at their weakest and would suffer significantly more losses.

I can only assume that both animals were afraid of the storm. However, the buffaloe were willing to face the storm and use that fear as a motivating factor to get out of the storm as soon as possible.

In my mind, fear is the single greatest emotion the devil uses to paralyze us and to keep us from reaching our potential. When we operate out of fear, we are less likely to choose the harder path. We seek the comfort of home and avoid the entanglements of that which has us afraid. As a football coach, I believe that fear can be a significant problem for players on the field. Fear can lead to hesitation, doubt, and ultimately, poor performance. When players are afraid, they may be less likely to take risks, make mistakes, or push themselves to their limits. It also can lead to players getting hurt.

One of the biggest challenges with fear is that it can be difficult to overcome. Fear is often rooted in our past experiences and can be reinforced by negative self-talk and feedback from others. As a coach, it's essential to help players recognize when fear is holding them back and provide them with the tools they need to overcome it.

One way to address fear is through visualization and mental preparation. By visualizing success and positive outcomes, players can train their minds to focus on the possibilities rather than the potential pitfalls. Additionally, creating a supportive team culture can help players feel more comfortable taking risks and making mistakes without fear of judgment or criticism.

Ultimately, as a coach, it's important to acknowledge the role that fear can play in our players' performance and work to create an environment where players feel empowered to take risks and overcome their fears. With the right mindset and preparation, players can learn to use fear as a motivator rather than a hindrance to their success.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

This verse reminds us that God is always with us, even in times of fear or uncertainty. He promises to give us strength and help us through difficult situations. Fear is not something that God wants us to experience. Instead, He has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-control, which can help us overcome fear and other challenges.

God is aware of our fears and wants to help us overcome them. By trusting in Him and recognizing His power and love, we can find the courage to face our fears and move forward with strength and confidence.

As Christians, we are not guaranteed a life devoid of tribulation. My experience has been the opposite. The enemy works harder in my life the closer I draw to God. It is in these times that I do my best to remember to praise Him before, through and after each storm.

Because Jesus Christ has died on the cross and bore the weight of our sins, we can turn into any storm and know that He will be beside us. No matter the intensity, He will see us through until one day we come out on the other side and find ourselves with him in Heaven.