My Olympics

It's Olympic's time, for some it's very exciting, for others it's an interruption to their favorite shows. But to the Olympiads it's everything. They have been training for years. Day after day, year after year. Early mornings, painful workouts, self-denial all for a few moments in time. All for the hope of gold on a ribbon and a place in the pages of history. 

Imagine it, you've trained for years, sacrificing, pushing yourself beyond every limit you thought you had and now it's time. You enter the arena wearing the uniform that signifies you belong to Team USA. You hear the deafening roar of the crowd. The energy and excitement is tangible. Your heart beats loud and strong in your chest, you can't help but smile as you realize, they're cheering for you. You're caught up in the moment and you let out a shout. This is it! This moment, right now, is what it was all for and it was worth it. Whatever happens at the end of the journey, whatever medal you may or may not leave with, it was all worth it, you would do it again in a heartbeat, no regrets. 

Seems like an incredible fantasy doesn't it? But I've got a secret, it's our reality. When you received Jesus as your Lord and accepted His payment for your sin on the cross you became an active, irreplaceable member of Team GOD. You are no longer clothed in shame and sin but you now wear the uniform of Team God, the robe of righteousness and the garment of praise. You have been assigned to an event, you've been given a gift, a talent, something special, a purpose only you can fulfill.

Just like the figure skater doesn't resent the skier for his abilities, neither should we resent others for their calling and gifting. Rather the skater and the skier, the athletes in general, recognize and appreciate the skill and ability in their fellow athletes. We too would be wise to not be jealous, to not be envious, rather see the God in people, see how God uses them and praise God for it! What God has placed in you is precious and highly valuable, do not despise your "event" if you will.  

And lest you get discouraged remember that you too are surrounded by multitudes rooting for you, cheering you on and believing in you. 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1

So what is your event? Where have you been placed to represent Team GOD? A homemaker, singer, athlete, teacher, greeter, doctor, receptionist? Your life, that's your event. No one else can fill your spot, only you have been prepared every second of your life for this moment. It's all you baby. You have everything you need, you lack nothing.

"Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:7-8

The Olympics last a few weeks every 4 years. But we train for a greater purpose and a greater end. This is our moment, right now, we're suited up and ready to go. The crowd cheers for us. Our coach is by our side to guide us and correct us. Our teammates run alongside of us supporting and encouraging. And our Father is waiting to welcome us across the finish line, take us in His arms and say well done.