I watched in awe as player No. 7 at the other side of the net jumped to hit the ball. “Flawless,” I said to myself. There was no better word to describe the 15-year-old’s technique and precision.

I counted the number of Division 1 school volleyball coaches watching her intently – eight coaches from around the country took notes after her every kill. My daughter’s team’s defense helplessly scrabbled to stop her. As a parent, it was undoubtedly hard to witness the defeat. As a coach, I took mental notes and marveled at the beautifully synchronized team on the other side of the net.

Four days later, at the end of the National Volleyball tournament, I discovered that No. 7′s team ended up third in the nation.

No. 7 was among numerous kids that stood out by their stature and athletic abilities during the national competition. Their moves on the court, vertical jump, or speed to the ball indeed reveal years of focused training and dedication.

As I walked around the venue, my 5′5″ frame was dwarfed by 6-foot-tall (plus) girls from all 50 states and territories. But as much as I enjoy watching their graceful jumps and precise hits over the net, the smaller-sized hitters always capture my heart. Indeed, watching an average-height girl soar above the net on an impressive vertical jump, overcoming her naturally small stature, always brings a smile to my face. Because I know it too well – it takes years of arduous training to rise above one’s physical limitations – no pun intended.

Whether in business, sports, or any challenging task we encounter in life, hurdles are certainly one of the reasons many people give up on their dreams. Some see hurdles as mountains, giving them power and thus determining they cannot be overcome.

Some people see hurdles as mountains, giving them power and thus determining they cannot be overcome. @AJC #limitations #motivation #mindset #inspiration #success #goals #fitness #believe
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But others see them for what they truly are: obstacles or detours on the way to our goals – not insurmountable mountains. They know their limitations but don’t let them define them. They set their eyes on the destination and keep moving, conquering the mountain by hard work and faith.

The story takes an entirely new connotation when we add God to the equation because we know our limitations do not constrain God. When faith enters our conquests, we understand that the One who spoke the stars into existence is by our side, and He’s the God of the impossible. He gives power to the weak and capability to the lowly. He is all-powerful and desires to enable his children to accomplish their dreams and God-given goals.

When faith enters our conquests, we understand that the One who spoke the stars into existence is by our side, and He’s the God of the impossible. @AJC #limitations #motivation #mindset #inspiration #success #goals #fitness #believe
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More than a can-do attitude, those who allow faith to push them through their limit have an added asset that cannot be overlooked. Their capabilities may be ordinary. Their stature may be less than impressive, yet, because of their hard work and faith in a God who can do more than they can ask for, they can reach the stars. They take the first step, trembling, not ignoring how inadequate they genuinely are but planting their hearts on who they know their God to be.

Maybe you’re facing that hurdle. Your heart wants to soar to new heights. You dream of that next step in your career, degree, or scholarship to play your beloved sport at college. If that is you, and you know God is on your side, look at the obstacles and see them for what they truly are: tiny pebbles compared to the strength and power of almighty God.

If you know God is on your side, look at the obstacles and see them for what they truly are: tiny pebbles compared to the strength and power of Almighty God. @AJC #limitations #motivation #mindset #inspiration #success #goals #fitness …
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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Prophet Isaiah

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, July 9th, 2022.

The post Limitations Should Not Determine Your Destiny {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

Yesterday morning during my quiet time, I came across a story about him that gave me pause. Mueller was aboard a ship, crossing the Atlantic for an important meeting in Quebec. A dense fog had descended, making it impossible for the vessel to swiftly navigate the waters. The captain had announced that the journey would be delayed due to the weather conditions.

Mueller was not happy about the news. He immediately went up to the bridge and told the captain it was imperative that he arrive in Quebec that Thursday. The captain responded, “that is impossible!” Mueller, however, did not waver. “Very well,” he said. “If you cannot take me, God will. For I have never missed one single engagement in 57 years. Let’s go down to the chart room and pray.” The captain calmly replied, as if talking to a lunatic: “Sir, do you not realize how dense this fog is?” Mueller’s response was resolute. “My eyes are not on the dense fog, Captain, but on the living God, who controls all circumstances of my life.” He knelt down and prayed the simplest prayer the captain had ever heard. After he finished, the captain started praying, but he felt Mueller’s hand on his shoulder. Mueller asked him to stop. The captain looked at him, in dismay. “First of all, sir, you don’t believe God will answer,” he said. “Second, I believe he already has. Get up, Captain, and you will see that the fog is gone.”

And it was. The dense fog had completely disappeared. And Mueller was able to arrive in Quebec in time for his appointment.

This true story challenged my heart. I sat there, looking at my small book of devotionals, thinking about the simplicity of Mueller’s childlike faith. You see, I believe in the God of the impossible. I do. I believe he can heal the worst of diseases and restore broken lives. I’ve seen it and experienced it. But when new dark shadows fall upon my life and I find myself calling upon the God of the impossible, I must confess that I don’t always pray with that same type of confidence. The confidence that sees before the eyes can see. The confidence that believes in spite of what the circumstances display. Should I face the same situation as Mueller’s, I don’t know that I would get up with the firm conviction that I would find clear skies right away. Next day, maybe … God willing?!?

I believe this is a common challenge for the believer. We are taught that, without faith, it is impossible to please God. Indeed, we can’t expect to obtain God’s favor if our hearts waver back and forth between trusting and doubting when we pray. I believe that we cannot truly experience God and the supernatural without the type of faith that believes beyond what our eyes can see.

George Mueller’s story challenged me to believe in God as my children believe in me. When they are afraid and run to me, their muscles relax as my arms wrap around them. They know I won’t let them go. They know the worst that comes against them has to pass through Mom first. And I am bigger. And in their minds, wiser. Stronger. All they have to say is “Mom, I need you.” And they truly rest in the assurance that I hear and will answer their plea.

Patricia Holbrook is a Christian author and national conference speaker. Her first book “Twelve Inches: Bridging the Gap Between What You Know About God and How You Feel” is now on Kindle, and paperback at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon and other retailers. Visit her blog to read her devotionals at www.soaringwithhim.com or email her at pholbrook@soaringwithhim.com – To read more about the book and order a copy, click HERE

The post The Power of Simple Prayer – Atlanta Journal Constitution Column appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.