By Dr. Ben Houltberg, Phd, LMFT - Counselor, Chaplin, Coach, and Friend...
Dr. Houltberg was blessed with the opportunity to serve as an Athletic Chaplin at the World Championships in Berlin!
Coach Houltberg has worked with Cross Country and Track & Field Athletes as a coach for several years. (Jenks High School and Union High School)
Ben ran for Oral Roberts University in 800m and Mile where he won several Conference Championships, NCAA National Qualifier, and earned many accolades as a student-athlete including the ORU President's Cup honoring his character in the classroom, on the track, and in the commnity.
God’s purpose in our lives is not wrapped in our identity as an athlete. His purpose is not performance driven but it is the process of athletics that He can form strengths and awareness that enables us to carry out the purpose he is calling us to. In the midst of the process, we allow God to work in us and through us to touch those around us but when athletics ends, His purpose doesn’t end. Rather it just continues and even begins to some degree. Purpose is a process and can’t be fulfilled in one single magical moment or single victorious championship. Instead, it is fulfilled in the journey of life as we draw closer to GOD and He draws closer to us.
God accomplishes His purpose through us in the process of transformation, not a single event of sanctification (we are not made holy by a single event). God’s purpose is carried out as we walk with Him and look through His eyes at the hurting ailing community around us.
We don’t have to become something incredible or accomplish something great in order to have a purpose. Jesus accomplished the most incredible feat at the cross for us. His performance frees us from having to earn God’s love. We all have a purpose for our lives and it is in the process of trials, tribulations and joys that draws the purpose from us through God’s amazing, incomprehensible grace and love.
Gold medals and championships are earned through hard work and perseverance. God’s love is something that we do not deserve and is given to us by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. This love goes beyond our comprehension and empowers us to overcome obstacles in our life. Because of this love we desire to give ourselves back to God through our daily lives so that His love may shine through us to touch those around us.
By, Dr. Ben Houltberg
Personal Best Athletics motto is "Run with Purpose". I fully believe God uses our training, teamwork, coaches, competitions, and all around experiences as opportunities to teach us, guide us, and grow closer to us. I encourage you to seek God in your physical endeavors, enjoying your experiences as you learn through them. I hope that in the process you experience God's amazing love for you!
-Coach Hudgens