Faith over Fear

Before Competition

Anxiety consumed me leading up to the Olympic Trials in 2024. This was my one chance to make the Olympic swimming team. The pressure felt suffocating. Rather than trusting God’s plan, I found myself overanalyzing every detail. I convinced myself that controlling every aspect would somehow guarantee my success. I’d try to mask the stress, telling myself I was just excited — but deep down I knew the difference.

True excitement and adrenaline — the kind that comes from freedom and joy — feels like running around at recess in fifth grade. It’s like playing football with friends and trying to score touchdowns before the bell rings. That was not the excitement and adrenaline I felt before trials. It was more like walking alone through a dark alley in an unfamiliar city.

Thankfully, a spiritual mentor gave me helpful advice which I now follow. Before every big meet, I open my journal and list every blessing God has given me through swimming. It always starts with the obvious ones — my wife, the bond with my siblings, and my best friends. But as I continue, I often realize one of the greatest gifts is the opportunity itself. High-pressure competitions are more than opportunities to test our abilities. They are also moments where I feel fully alive, completely reliant on God, and closest to Him.

When I take my eyes off the pressure to perform and instead fix them on God’s goodness, the fear fades. I remember that His love for me isn’t dependent on a race result. He’s already given me more than I deserve. No matter what happens in the pool, I can compete with joy — because in Christ, I’ve already won!

Application Question:

• When you start to feel anxious or overwhelmed about something, capture the thought and ask God to help you replace it with a proper Biblical response through prayer, Scripture, or talking with a friend.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for this opportunity to grow and draw closer to You. Thank You for these big moments, not as a test of my worth, but as a reminder of Your love and faithfulness. Fill me with peace that surpasses understanding and with joy — the kind of joy that feels like throwing touchdowns at recess. No matter the result today, I will still praise You. Shape me into the person who loves and trusts You in every circumstance. In Your name, Amen."

Who We Are

Athletes in Action helps athletes, coaches, and sports fans apply the Bible to their sport and also to their lives. We’ve created a page where you can explore more resources, discover other devotionals we’ve written, and take your next step in growing closer to God. Come by, take a look around, and say hello—we’d love to walk with you on the journey.