OLYMPIC INSPIRATION!

Olympians are amazing! Have you been cheering them on and admiring their incredible skills at the London Olympics this past week?  From watching gymnasts soar through the air, to Michal Phelps swimming his way to a record number of medals, to the best athletes in the world competing in every sport, the discipline and sacrifices each one of them made to get to the 2012 Games has been awe-inspiring.

 And it’s made me reflect on the race I’m running as a follower of Jesus.

  All of us who share the goal of loving and pleasing God with our lives and choices and responses, are in a race. But our aim is not to win some perishable medal, wonderful as that is for any competitor. We are running to glorify God’s name and reputation and to hear His “Well-done!”

Just as athletes must embrace core principles as they “go for the gold,” so do we. The Bible identifies many ways we’re to run our race, but here are two principles to think about. They're ones that I’ve been reflecting on.  I’ll share three more in my next post.

• Give it your best. When some of the Badminton competitors tried to lose in order to get an advantage they were booed and lost all respect. But those who did their best were admired, even if they didn’t medal.  The apostle Paul urged Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). We are to do the same.

Let me ask you: Do you now the gift(s) God has given you? What are they? How are you exercising your gifts?

• Persevere.   My heart was moved watching a African American male  gymnast see his dreams of a medal disappear. As a mother,I wanted to hug and comfort him. Disappointments in life happen, but God's encouragement stands: “Run with perseverance the race that is set before you” (Hebrews 12:  1). 

 Giving up is never God’s way.

Let me ask you: What's getting you down?  Will you start thanking God for what He has done so far in your life? Then begin praising Him for all He has ahead for your life.                                             How are the Olympics inspiring you to chase after the Lord? Post it on Facebook and share with others. Poppy