For all of the things my son does well at his position, there's something else he still really stinks at....tackling. He goes in when it's time for offense, and then hops right out when the ball changes hands. Before the season got started this year, I asked him if he might play defense. His reply was something like, "Oh, no way. I'm terrible." The thing is, he's not great with contact. For those that think I'm calling him out right here in cyberspace, I assure you it's not a secret. In fact, it's sort of a running joke at our house. He knows it and he assumes full responsibility of it. And he's trying to work on it.
It's really ironic, too. He's one of the biggest kids on the field. He outweighs most kids by twenty or more (!) pounds. But for some reason, with tackling, things haven't clicked for him. Ultimately, he's still playing with some fear. He doesn't realize his strength and power. Throwing the ball, he's pretty confident. Running the ball or tackling someone full-on, he's still unsure.
Uncertainty brings timidity.
My living room rug often doubles for AstroTurf, who can relate? Many nights, my son and hubs will line up against each other and go shoulder-to-shoulder as if they think they're pro lineman. This is where I usually starting praying that they don't break something, or each other. Most of the time this takes place because dear hubby is trying to turn on the light bulb for our boy. He is confident that once he understands how much strength he has, he will become more effective running the ball and even tackling. So far, no light bulbs. Thankfully, his coaches are patient and encouraging. For now the fear is still crippling, and he's remains only average as a running quarterback. When the coach calls the running play, I wonder if he thinks to himself, "Coach, call something else, I'm not great at this and you know it." But I haven't asked. Props to me.
I've been studying the Life of Moses through BSF. We're still just in the first few chapters, but I'm astounded at how often Moses is filled with fear in the beginning. It's comforting, to be quite honest. I love when people in the bible, people God used mightily, often start out timid or arrogant or weak. It helps me relate. In fact, I can't think of many bible characters that had it all together. Moses sure didn't. He killed a man impulsively and lived tending sheep for forty years. Then, during his bush-on-never-ending-fire conversation with God, he repeated over and over that he wasn't cut out for the task at hand. Several times, he made sure God knew he was a man of "faltering lips" and unable to lead the people. He was essentially saying, "Please don't run that play, God."
Moses was a man full of fear, but God remained patient and encouraging. God didn't make a mistake by calling him. God called him so that Moses could face his past mistakes and become fearless in God. He didn't want any other quarterback. He wanted Moses, fear and all. He wanted to transform Moses and show His own power. And He called the plays He knew were best for all the people.
Moses accepted the challenge, brought his brother along for support, and moved forward in obedience. This all happened after God told him more than once (can I get an amen?) who He was. As Moses believed God and followed His commands, he got to witness the amazing power of God. And with each task he completed, Moses became more confident in God.
He no longer worried about what people around him might think.
He was no longer fearful of those that might not listen to him.
He no longer wondered if God was really on his side.
He no longer ran the ball scared of contact.
By the time the ninth plague of Egypt rolled around, Moses was completely different. He didn't stutter and his words were sure. He was confident in his task and no longer questioned the Lord. What had changed? Fear of man and personal insecurity had been replaced with an overwhelming trust and awe of the I Am.
Once that happens, we have the light bulb moment. And then we live fearlessly.
Fear is crippling. Fear holds us back. Fear keeps us from running the ball full-throttle to the goal line. Fear keeps us from tackling what's in our path.
Fear of failure.
Fear of hardship.
Fear of injury.
Fear of discomfort.
Fear of being made fun of.
Fear of being ostracized.
Fear of not being liked.
Fear of drawing unwanted attention.
Fear of not fitting in.
Fear of ........
Last night as we rode home from church, my son said, "Coach said I may get to play free safety for a few plays." Huh?? I wasn't sure if he was kidding or not, so I supportedly (ahem) said something like, "What?? Isn't that defense????"
"Yes, MOM!" Ok, then.
Maybe he's envisioning that first big tackle. Maybe he's beginning to trust his coach when he calls the running play. Maybe tonight he will run with the power and strength that he's had all season. Maybe he will finally believe what his dad's been telling him on the living room floor.
Fearless living is about focusing on God's strength instead of our own weaknesses It's a matter of trust. It's about believing God is for us and He knows us better than we know ourselves. It's about stepping out in faith, raising the staff of trust, and watching God's power at work in our lives. And that, my friends, is always a touchdown!
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.
Praise him forever! Psalm 111:10
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