The Courage to Come Back

In the summer of 2021, Simone Biles stood at the top of the gymnastics world. She was the most decorated gymnast in history, the overwhelming favorite at the Tokyo Olympics. And then, in the middle of competition, she pulled herself out. A terrifying mental block called "the twisties" had stolen her spatial awareness mid-air — and in a sport where a split-second of disorientation can mean a broken neck, she made the hardest decision of her career. She stepped back.

The world had opinions. Some called it brave. Others called it weak. For three years, the whispers followed her.

Then came Paris, 2024. Simone Biles walked back onto the Olympic floor at twenty-seven years old — ancient by gymnastics standards — and won three gold medals and a silver. Not because the fear was gone. Because she decided the calling was bigger than the fear.

Scripture never promises that courage means the absence of trembling. When the Almighty told Joshua, "Be strong and courageous," He said it three times — which tells you Joshua probably needed to hear it three times. Courage in the kingdom of God has never been about feeling no fear. It is about hearing the voice of the Father say, "I am with you," and stepping onto the floor anyway.

Some of you have stepped back from something and you're wondering if it's too late to return. It's not. The God who called you the first time hasn't changed His mind.