Confidence
Wyatt Hendrickson - 2025 NCAA Division 1 Champion
READY:
“The person who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence indeed is the LORD, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.” — Jeremiah 7:17-18
SET:
Walking into the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships I had a goal: win the 285 pound national title. Wrestling an opponent who had only lost once before did not change that goal. At the end of the match, it came down to sticking to the basics. With a lot of heart and the Holy Spirit flowing through me, I landed a nice single leg that turned into a double leg for the final take down.
Some call it the greatest upset in NCAA Wrestling history, but I wasn’t surprised. I had put in the work and absorbed all the coaching and training. And my confidence was indeed the Lord. That confidence came from strong roots planted early in my life and strengthened through my college journey at the Air Force Academy. A confidence that came from time spent with Him and seeking His will for my life.
Every wrestler knows the importance of the basics. Every wrestler knows that training and strength and a lot of grappling will yield results. Matches will be won and lost. Championships earned. But true confidence, the kind with roots, only comes from the Lord. Without my faith in Him, I would not be where I am today.
The confidence found in the Lord is one that does not waver because He does not waver. Our culture is constantly wavering, which easily erodes confidence. However, consistent time with God yields consistent confidence. Just like the consistent time you spend training – the more time you spend with God the deeper the roots of confidence grow. Your identity is no longer tied to your record or your last match, but it is secure in God.
Winning a national championship was great but what was even greater was representing God with my hand raised and being given a platform to share about Him and the blessing it is to have Jesus in my life.
GO:
What is a wrestling goal you have? What steps are you taking to achieve that goal?
How confident are you in wrestling? Your faith?
What steps can you take to grow more confident in the Lord?
WORKOUT:
OVERTIME:
“Lord, You are the only true source of confidence. Train me to be full of You so that my confidence will be rooted and never waver. Give me a heart that desires to spend time with You in prayer and Your Word, the Bible. When I fall away, draw me back. Help me to point others to You through the confidence You are growing in me. In Jesus’ name, amen.”