Blur the Distractions
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.
PROVERBS 4:25 ESV
When I was a freshman in high school, I picked up pole vaulting. The sport was so cool to me, especially how a person could jump that high with only speed and a stick. But here’s the kicker—I am terrified of heights! Why I chose a sport that is the equivalent of falling from a two-story building is beyond me. Even though I was good, sometimes fear would grip me so greatly that it would leave me with a severe case of bubble gut.
My coach was a wise man. He knew how to snap me out of every mental funk. On the morning of the regional finals, he brought me to the stadium before dawn. There wasn’t a soul in sight—just us, the track, and silence. He told me to stare at the high bar, blur out everything else around me, and visualize myself clearing it with ease. With no distractions, this was easy. But then he said, “This afternoon, when the stadium is filled and the nerves are high, I want you to do the same thing: stare at the high bar, blur out everything else around you, and visualize yourself clearing it with ease.” It worked, and I won the bronze medal.
Sometimes, in order to walk in confidence, we have to visualize our goal with tunnel vision. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others or be fearful of the obstacles. However, success only happens when we paint a successful picture in our minds. This goes for everyday activities too! Instead of being overwhelmed by the mess in our kitchen, closet, or backyard, we must visualize it looking clean, organized, and pristine. Mentally picturing the best possible outcome will help us to achieve the best possible outcome!
There is such power in our thoughts. Our mind can lead us down a road of failure, or it can lead us up the path toward victory. When we renew our minds with God’s Word and blur out the distractions that hold us back, it brings a confidence that changes everything!
God, help me to have tunnel vision today. I choose to focus on the goal today. I choose to focus on the goal, blur out all the distractions, and visualize victory. Thank You for walking with me, hand in hand. Amen.
This is an excerpt from A Confidence That Changes Everything: Devotions to Shine Bright in This Topsy-Turvy Life, the new book by Hannah Crews!
