Encouraged For The Challenge!

A lot of attention has focused on the 2008 Olympic Games which held opening ceremonies in Beijing this past Friday (08/08/08). Much effort has gone into preparation for all the events, with many athletes (and countries) hoping to return home with the gold. The Olympic creed reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” The Olympic motto is: “Citius, Altius, Fortius”, three Latin words meaning “Swifter, Higher, Stronger” (or “Faster, Higher, Stronger”).

Such focuses are offered to the Olympic athletes as the encouragement to catch the spirit of the games and so step forth to do their very best in the competition. In relation to the years of preparation going into the Olympic Games, the competition does not last very long. However, while the games continue, the competition will be spurred on by the cheers of other athletes and the spectators in the stands.

Perhaps we find our parallel motto for life in the words given through Isaiah. . .
“but they who wait for the Lord shall RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; they shall MOUNT UP WITH WINGS like eagles; they shall RUN AND NOT BE WEARY; they shall WALK AND NOT FAINT.” ( Isaiah 40:31 ESV)

Note how the same elements of speed, being uplifted, and strength are provided by God. It is He to Whom we can look for being sustained in life’s struggle. In addition to God’s STRENGTHENING to run life’s race, we also have (in contrast to the Olympic creed) the assurance of TRIUMPH! In fact, it is far beyond any TRIUMPH this world can offer.

In view of the struggles of life, Paul encouraged. . .
“No, in all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM who loved us.” ( Romans 8:37 ESV)

As we continue with the aid of God in tackling life to the best of our ability, let us remember the encouragement of Paul to the church at Corinth when he wrote. . .

“(24) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So RUN THAT YOU MAY OBTAIN IT. (25) Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, BUT WE AN IMPERISHABLE.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ESV)

The Creator of life has provided His motto and creed for life. May we be caught up in His Spirit as we continue to press on in life’s arena until we are finally lifted up in final VICTORY!

Have a great day PRESSING ON KNOWING THE PRIZE WE SHALL RECEIVE!
Carl

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