September 9, 2024
Watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics reminded me that we live in a sinful and dying world. Shocked, even horrified at some of the things displayed, I realized again that lost people act like lost people.
While I have been deeply burdened about the lostness of America and her disregard for God, I had forgotten about the depravity of the rest of the world. It’s a good time to pray that the nations will turn to the Lord. And pray for foreign missionaries as they faithfully share the good news abroad.
Also, as I watched the Olympic women’s cycling time trials, I was reminded what a wimp I am.
First, it was raining. I like the rain but only if I’m inside and dry. I wouldn’t have even been outside in Paris. Yet, the women cyclists faced the nasty weather riding skinny bikes with pencil-thin tires. They rode 20 miles.
American Chloe Dygert had already overcome a career-threatening injury, then an Achilles injury, and a bout of COVID not too long ago. I would have stayed in the bed.
As Chloe rounded a curve on the slippery road, she wrecked, hitting the pavement hard. But she got up and got back on that bike, finishing with a bronze medal. Countless cyclists pressed on, bloody and bruised.
Though I am not an athlete, I, too, am in a race. You may be in one also.
Our race begins when we give our hearts and lives to Jesus. We may fall or become injured, but God will give us the strength to press on. In Philippians 3:14, Paul wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me...” This pressing on is not easy. There will be hurdles and high jumps to get over, water to go through. As in the Olympics, we may feel like the whole world is watching… and judging.
If we choose Jesus to be our Coach, He will encourage us, and help us persevere, even when we feel like throwing in the towel - or the whole bike.
Hebrews 12:1 reminds me that I am to “run with perseverance the race marked out for me.” That means I won’t quit. Won’t even THINK of quitting. When I’m tired. When I’m hurt. When I can’t see the ending. With perseverance.
“The race marked out for me.” My race is not your race, and your race is not mine. (And it’s not on a bicycle, thank goodness.) Our races will be different. I need to focus on my own, and let you do yours. I have my hands full with myself.
The Olympic athletes from all countries have been disciplined. They have pushed themselves physically and mentally. Their families have sacrificed to help them get where they are: the Olympics in Paris. Their dream is a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
A medal is not my goal. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 Paul wrote: “Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
James 1:12 speaks of that crown: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Lessons from the Olympics so far: 1) Pray that the nations will turn to the Lord, 2) Let Jesus be my Coach, 3) Run/walk with perseverance.
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Dawn Reed is a pastor's wife and newspaper columnist. Reach her at preacherswife7@yahoo.com.
