The Likes of an Olympian
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
The Olympics are fascinating! I've been watching quite a bit of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and staying up waaaaay too late to see who tops the podium. I admire the athletes for their perseverance in training to win their way onto elite teams in their respective disciplines. The stories behind the athletes are just as amazing as their athletic ability. Many of the athletes move to different countries, train full-time and give up all they have for the goal of an Olympic Medal.
Perhaps the reason I admire the athletes so much lies in their amazing abilities and how they acquire them. In contrast I look at myself in the mirror. My reflection is that of a woman far from the talent that graces Olympic podiums. I have not moved to seek a prize. I stay at home with my children and without the time, physique and drive to train for such an event. It appears as though I haven't given up anything to be me. In the mirror (at face value) and on paper, I'm actually quite unflattering.
God uses this passage in Philippians as a challenge me to look deeper. I am not an athlete in search of an Olympic medal, but I AM a woman in the running for a prize of far greater value. Here, in Philippians, Paul outlines a training schedule. He admits that he's not yet grasped what the Almighty God has for him, but he claims that if he does one thing...it is to train well for the prize set aside for him. These words are not exclusively Paul's words, but my words too. God is grooming a champion in me!
Wow! To think that my trainer is the One who created the heavens and the earth! And what comfort to know that my prime age for training does not depend on my physique, but will last a lifetime! To think that physically I have not given up my residence, but mentally...I have. The constant thoughts of eternal gain invade my life, my years, my days...my minutes. I am consumed by this quest for a prize not hoped for, but guarenteed by following my "coach"...hanging on His every word and sold out to His plan.
I have a calling far greater than an Olympic athlete. My calling is HEAVENWARD in CHRIST JESUS!!!
Lord, thank you for calling me to this life of following you. Help me to forget what is behind and focus on what you have in store for my future...namely HEAVEN!!! Show me today how I can live with an eternal purpose. Give me a perspective that matches Yours. I love You and am eternally grateful for your investment in me. I will live my life in thanksgiving of your mercy and grace.
Amen.
Philippians 3: 13-14
The Olympics are fascinating! I've been watching quite a bit of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and staying up waaaaay too late to see who tops the podium. I admire the athletes for their perseverance in training to win their way onto elite teams in their respective disciplines. The stories behind the athletes are just as amazing as their athletic ability. Many of the athletes move to different countries, train full-time and give up all they have for the goal of an Olympic Medal.
Perhaps the reason I admire the athletes so much lies in their amazing abilities and how they acquire them. In contrast I look at myself in the mirror. My reflection is that of a woman far from the talent that graces Olympic podiums. I have not moved to seek a prize. I stay at home with my children and without the time, physique and drive to train for such an event. It appears as though I haven't given up anything to be me. In the mirror (at face value) and on paper, I'm actually quite unflattering.
God uses this passage in Philippians as a challenge me to look deeper. I am not an athlete in search of an Olympic medal, but I AM a woman in the running for a prize of far greater value. Here, in Philippians, Paul outlines a training schedule. He admits that he's not yet grasped what the Almighty God has for him, but he claims that if he does one thing...it is to train well for the prize set aside for him. These words are not exclusively Paul's words, but my words too. God is grooming a champion in me!
Wow! To think that my trainer is the One who created the heavens and the earth! And what comfort to know that my prime age for training does not depend on my physique, but will last a lifetime! To think that physically I have not given up my residence, but mentally...I have. The constant thoughts of eternal gain invade my life, my years, my days...my minutes. I am consumed by this quest for a prize not hoped for, but guarenteed by following my "coach"...hanging on His every word and sold out to His plan.
I have a calling far greater than an Olympic athlete. My calling is HEAVENWARD in CHRIST JESUS!!!
Lord, thank you for calling me to this life of following you. Help me to forget what is behind and focus on what you have in store for my future...namely HEAVEN!!! Show me today how I can live with an eternal purpose. Give me a perspective that matches Yours. I love You and am eternally grateful for your investment in me. I will live my life in thanksgiving of your mercy and grace.
Amen.
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