I have to trust something that gives me power; I have to believe

"I have to trust something that gives me power; I have to believe in something, but in my career I have a lot of moments I cannot explain with God." These words, spoken by Pelé, the football legend whose name echoes through the hearts of millions, reveal the profound relationship between faith and power. In his career, Pelé experienced moments of brilliance that transcended human understanding, moments that felt almost divine. But even he, in his greatness, acknowledges the limits of explanation—there are moments in life and in sport where we must rely on something beyond ourselves, something that fuels our strength and gives us purpose, even when we cannot trace it to a singular source, like God. His words are a reflection of the universal truth that we all, in our own way, seek something to believe in, something that provides power to overcome the obstacles in our path.

The great Greek philosopher Socrates once said, "An unexamined life is not worth living." He believed that every person should strive to understand the deeper forces that drive their actions and to seek truth through reason. But Socrates also acknowledged the limits of human understanding—the mysteries of existence, the forces that shape our lives, cannot always be understood through intellect alone. In his time, the gods were believed to influence everything, from the outcome of battles to the success of athletes. Pelé's statement reminds us that, while we may not always have the answers, there are moments in life that defy logic and reason, where we must simply trust in something greater than ourselves, whether it be faith, destiny, or a force we cannot name.

In ancient Rome, Gladiators—those brave souls who fought in the great arenas for the entertainment of the people—often spoke of their own faith and reliance on divine forces. They trusted in the gods, in the belief that their courage and strength came not solely from their own will, but from something greater. While they honed their skills through discipline and training, they also recognized that the path to victory was shaped by forces beyond their control. Pelé, in his own way, echoes this sentiment. As a footballer, he trusted in his abilities, honed through years of dedication, but he also accepted that there were moments on the field when something beyond his understanding guided him to success.

Pelé's statement also reflects the complex relationship between human effort and divine grace. The legendary Michelangelo, when asked how he was able to create such masterpieces, famously replied, "I am only a vessel; the art comes from God." Like Pelé, Michelangelo understood that there are moments in the creative and athletic process that seem to transcend human ability. In these moments, it is as though a higher power is at work, guiding the artist or athlete in ways that cannot be fully explained. In Pelé’s career, there were countless moments where his feats on the field seemed divinely inspired—the perfect shot, the impossible save, the split-second decision that led to a goal. And yet, like Michelangelo, Pelé knew that no matter how skilled he was, these moments of brilliance were beyond full human explanation.

In our own lives, there are times when we too experience moments of power and clarity that we cannot fully explain. We achieve something great, overcome a challenge, or find ourselves acting in ways that seem almost beyond our control. Pelé's words are a reminder that in such moments, we are not always meant to fully understand the source of our strength. Instead, we must learn to trust in the process, in the training and effort we have invested, and in the faith we place in something greater than ourselves. Whether we call it God, the universe, or simply the inherent power of the human spirit, these moments are part of the mystical fabric of life that connects us to something larger.

The lesson here is that faith and trust are essential not only in religious or spiritual contexts but in every aspect of life. We must trust something to give us the strength to move forward, to overcome our doubts and fears, even when we cannot always explain where that strength comes from. Pelé teaches us that greatness is not just the result of hard work and talent—it is also the result of trusting in the unseen forces that guide us. We must believe in ourselves, but we must also trust in the mysterious forces that shape our path.

In your own life, recognize that there will be moments when you too must trust in something beyond your understanding. Whether it is faith in a higher power, belief in your own abilities, or the support of those around you, trust in that power. Embrace the moments of inspiration and clarity that come to you, even if they seem impossible to explain. Cultivate the discipline to prepare yourself, but also open your heart to the belief that there are forces beyond your comprehension at work in your life. Trust in the journey, trust in yourself, and trust that when the moment is right, the power you need will be there, guiding you toward your greatest triumphs.