Health Devotional: Hebrews 12:2-3 The Pain of Olympic Athletes and The ‘Races’ of Your Life

I really like watching the Olympics, whether it be the Summer Games or the Winter Games as are going on now.  Watching this year’s events is extra special because I had the good fortune of visiting Whistler, British Columbia a few years ago to speak at a conference.  It’s truly as beautiful as the television cameras make it seem.  It is, as many people say, God’s country.

When I watch these events, I try to see the parallel between the athletes and their respective competitions and of my own life and personal challenges.  The other day, I was made aware of such a comparison.  The event was the Women’s Sprint Cross Country race.  One of the competitors had taken a really bad spill earlier in the morning during a practice session.  Petra Majdič of Slovenia actually went off course and landed on some rocks in a ravine 10 feet below.  After some medical attention, she got back on her skies and continued skiing.  A few hours later she had to compete in a total of four races – three qualifying races and the final.  In the final, she finished 3rd and captured a bronze medal. At the end of the race, I watched her collapse to the snow in pain.  Another trip to the hospital and a few xrays later showed that her ribs were broken. See a video of her efforts.

Imagine skiing four races with four broken ribs.  That takes a lot of determination and mental toughness.  Fortunately, her years of training and ability to withstand heartache and physical pain paid off as she was rewarded with a medal.

Sometimes our faith journey is difficult.  It’s often accompanied with heartache, the unknown, dry seasons and trying times. God allows all your life circumstances to happen.  He orchestrates many of the tough times so that your faith may grow. Sometimes he allows you to “fall into a ravine onto a rock” and gives you an opportunity to make a choice to turn to him to get you through the “races” of your life that follow.

When really difficult times and seemingly unbearable stressful situations occur in your life, how do you cope?  What gets you through?

Perhaps you are going through a really difficult time in your life. It may be a health issue, a relationship issue or an employment or financial challenge. Whatever your life challenge, I encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the perfecter of your faith.  Remember what he endured on the cross so that, like him, you can withstand your trial – so that you will not lose heart and grow weary.  Hebrews 12:2-3

Jumping for Jesus at the Olympic Trials

Are you discouraged? Feel like God has abandoned you? Wonder if you can turn your life around after making a mess of it? Read on …. and be encouraged.

“So let me tell you what Goliath I slayed today. I stand before you today January 12, 2008 delivered from alcoholism for the past year and 3 months, smoking, pills, obesity, loneliness, depression and it is all because of my Lord and Savior JESUS the Christ! So this blog is for anyone who thinks that God has forgotten about them.“

The quote above is taken from a blog started by Adriane Stone, wife of an Army Sergeant stationed in Hawaii, and a finalist in the Olympic Trials Women’s High Jump scheduled for July 4th in Eugene, Oregon. (She jumped 5′ 11 1/2″ on Monday night in the preliminary round to qualify.) Her story is about how God can do wonders in a person’s life if she turns to God in desperation and humility. In her own words, her blog “documents my comeback to the high jump after 7 years of living a life that was a fast track to the pits of hell.”

I’m going to add a few more of her quotes so you can take a peek into her heart and spirit:

“You see going from a complete wreck to having the glory of God shine upon you in a public way is very intimidating and humbling at the same time.”

“Lord allow me to soar on wings of eagles as I feel your Spirit guide me along this path. You inspire me through you Holy Word. You give me a passion that I want everyone to yearn for. Come and taste what He has to offer. He brings life. He is Life!”

The day she flew to Oregon for the trials: “Now is not the time to begin second guessing the mighty hand of the Lord. Now is the time to rest in His presence and trust Him. Please pray for me, and know that this is God’s great plan. Whether I qualify, lose, win or not even jump, nothing can take away the great testimony of my life changing death to myself (Galatians 2:20). We are already conquerors through Christ Jesus.”

About two months ago, Adriane came across my website and sent me an email, asking for prayers. Perhaps you’ll join me in praying for Adriane as she prepares to jump on Friday, July 4th…. for the glory of God. Or, consider sending her an email of encouragement.

To learn more about Adriane’s journey over the last year and a half and to see how God can turn around the life of someone who, on her own made a mess of hers, I encourage you to read her story on her blog.

Does life have you down? Be encouraged by Adriane’s testimony!

Have a great day!