Do you ever feel like life keeps dealing you a bad hand? That no matter how hard you try, obstacles and setbacks seem to be constantly thrown your way? That’s a feeling Nate Burkhalter knows all too well.
For years, Nate dreamed of competing on American Ninja Warrior, a gruelling obstacle course competition show that tests participants’ strength, agility, and mental toughness. Nate had always been athletic and loved pushing himself to his limits, and he was drawn to the show’s intense challenges and the opportunity to showcase his skills on national television.
But despite his best efforts, Nate struggled even to make it onto the show. He attended walk-on tryouts year after year, only to be rejected time and time again. He suffered injuries and setbacks that seemed to keep him from achieving his dream, but he refused to give up.
Nate felt a deep sense of purpose and calling to compete on American Ninja Warrior, and he believed that God had a plan for him to use his skills and determination to inspire others. But as the years went on and he continued to face rejection, he began to doubt whether he was on the right path.
One day, something shifted. Nate felt a strong sense of conviction that he needed to quit his job as an oil and gas engineer and devote himself full-time to training and competing on American Ninja Warrior. It was a terrifying decision – he had a successful career and a comfortable life, and he was giving it all up to pursue a dream that seemed increasingly out of reach.
But Nate trusted in God’s plan for his life, and he knew that he had to take a leap of faith. So he quit his job and threw himself into training, pushing his body and mind to their absolute limits in pursuit of his dream.
And then, just when it seemed like things were finally coming together, disaster struck. In a heartbreaking turn of events, Nate was disqualified from the show due to a technicality that was out of his control. He was devastated – he had given up everything for this dream, and now it seemed like it had all been for nothing.
But Nate refused to give up. He knew that God had a plan for him, even if it wasn’t the one he had envisioned. He kept training, kept pushing himself, and kept trusting that something good would come from all of his hard work and dedication.
And then, against all odds, something did. Nate’s persistence and physical skill caught the attention of a producer, who offered him a spot on Exatlon, a Spanish reality TV show that pitted contestants against each other in a series of gruelling physical challenges.
There was just one catch – Nate didn’t speak any Spanish. But he didn’t let that stop him. He accepted the opportunity, knowing that it was a chance to prove himself and continue to grow as an athlete and a person.
The challenges on Exatlon were even tougher than anything Nate had faced on American Ninja Warrior. He battled extreme heat, exhaustion, and injuries that could have ended his career and even left him paralyzed. But through it all, he never lost faith. He continued to trust in God’s plan for his life and to give everything he had for the glory of God.
And then, in an incredible triumph, Nate was crowned the grand champion of Exatlon. It was a moment of vindication and joy, a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
But for Nate, the victory was about more than just winning a competition. It was about showing others that anything is possible if you believe in yourself and trust in God. It was about encouraging people to live a life of no limits, without fear of failure or rejection. It was about proving that even in the darkest moments, God can take a bad situation and turn it for good”
Ultimately, Nate’s hope is to inspire others to live a life without limits, to pursue their dreams with passion and determination, and to trust in God’s plan for their lives. His message is one of hope, resilience, and faith, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s boundless potential.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
