The Hall of Fame football coach of the Green Bay Packers once said, “Once a man has made a commitment to a way of life, he puts the greatest strength in the world behind him. It’s something we call heart power. Once a man has made this commitment, nothing will stop him short of success.” Many times I have looked at overwhelming obstacles in my life and have felt like there was no chance of victory. However, I have learned that no matter how big an obstacle is, I serve a God who gives me victory in spite of overwhelming odds. Caleb and Joshua wanted to conquer the people of Jericho when the rest of Israel was afraid. The men of Israel stated, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” The men of Israel looked at the circumstances and were fearful, but Joshua and Caleb looked at the circumstances and faced the situation by trusting in the power of God.

John Henry Newman said, “Fear not that your life shall come to an end, but rather that it shall never have a beginning.” Athletes are constantly faced with obstacles. Sometimes the obstacle is facing a team with an undefeated record and sometimes the obstacle is doing the last repetition in a long workout. As Christian coaches, we have committed to a way of life, and the greatest strength in the world is empowering us. The power to live in victory is given to us by Christ Jesus.