Horse Racing and Seabiscut -- A Hope, A Prayer, and A Horse!

Even though our lives progressively moves forwardon occasion it has a way of working what seems tobe in a backwards motion, yet in the end achievesthe same results. I remember years ago when Istarted my bodybuilding career, I had no self-confidence, poor self-esteem, and an introvertedpersonality. I couldn't fathom doing what othersbelieved I could accomplish in such an unusualsport that went totally against my nature.However, at first I thought, "I didn't want to letthem down and what if they're right? What if Icould accomplish something if I set my mind to it,I asked? What if by believing in something biggerthan myself would allow me to be a better person,develop confidence and be more outgoing?" Thenover a period of time the belief others hadstarted to rub off in me, combined with my workethic the rest became history.

I really don't want to compare myself to a horse,but in the movie "Sea Biscuit", a similarexperience takes place. Four men from all togetherdifferent backgrounds come together with a hope, aprayer and a horse of all things. They believedthat with a little direction, Sea Biscuit wouldaccomplish great things and surpass immeasurableodds. So inspired by a few (who happened to begoing by the seat of their pants), Sea Biscuitbegan to believe he too could do great things.The thing is, this horse didn't know nor did hecare that these four men combined had only a handfull of horse sense (no pun intended). Theybelieved in him and that was all that mattered.As Sea Biscuits confidence grew his influence uponthose around him did also. Through Sea Biscuitsdetermination and pure heart many who followed himbegan to believe in themselves in the midst of adepression and many hardships. In some crazyfashion this horse began to change the lives ofthousands of people all because a few men cametogether having a sense of purpose, a little hope,a lot of prayers and a horse to get them there.

If an animal like Sea Biscuit could influencepeople, can you imagine what Jesus Christ can dowith you? Hebrews 11 says, "that our life withChrist is built upon what we believe not by whatwe see." At times in our Christian walk we needthose around us that believe in Christ, in us andhave a little faith even when we can't see ourfuture. Hopefully, if you are willing, sooner orlater that confidence rubs off and we take hold ofGods will for our lives. That's why small groupsand close Christian friends are so important inour walk with Christ. Other people can be the gluethat holds us together when at times we seem to befalling apart. As in horse racing so it is in ourlife with Christ, it's not the start that countsit's finishing strong.

Never underestimate the power of small groups andclose friends. If it weren't for small groups,close friends and people who believe in me, therehave been times during this past year, I don'tknow what I would have done without them all.Never turn down an invitation from God tofellowship with a close group of friends,participate in an ABF class, or just share somequality time praying and believing in something orsomeone. Those four men never knew how far a hope,a prayer and a horse could go, but with God allthings are possible.

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Greg Ryan is a best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE OUT series. A powerful five step plan to better your life, get healthier, and have more energy! For FREE mini Course click here! http://www.resolutions.bz