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.

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.

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.

“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.