Olympian (in training)

Olympian (in training)

The Olympic Games begin, today, July 27, 2012 in London, England.

The Olympics are only held every four years. 

Four years for athletes…to persevere, to keep on keeping on, to continue to press on toward the goal.

In years gone by a laurel wreath was given to the winners of the Roman athletic games,.  It was a symbol of triumph and honor, the most coveted reward.  Today the ultimate prize in the modern day Olympics is a gold medal.

Light the Torch

An athlete needs to be prepared—not just for the ultimate Olympic competition but years before.

Yes, there are those that just seem to have supernatural talents but for the majority of us, skills must be honed.

The race begins at the starter’s block.  In other words we have to get started.  Begin to train.  Light the torch.

Physical preparation for an athlete in training is having the right equipment and gear.  However, even more important to the success of the athlete is the mental preparation of being committed…to train daily.

Training can be easy when the sun is shining and the humidity is low and the 5 Olympic Rings are in sight.

However, when the weather is overcast and thunderstorms are looming, it is tempting to pull the covers over our heads and sing, ‘there’s always tomorrow’ (for training).

Don’t we do that also in our Christian walks? 

God has given us the Trainer’s Manual.  Instructions on

how to walk out the Christian life.  We run full speed when our internal weather is calm and blue skies are in our forecast yet when there are clouds on the horizons or we are in the midst of personal storms and dark cloudy circumstances --we stumble.  We pull the covers over our heads.

Yet, God never promised that our Christian walk would be smooth sailng on the Thames River. 

However, He did promise that He would be with us every step along the way.  He coaches us through His Word, the Bible and via the Holy Spirit. 

Carry the Torch

How do we begin training?  First, get to know the Coach-Jesus Christ and read His manual.  Make a commitment from your heart to train daily by spending time with Him and reading His Word and asking Him to coach you through each step of your walk….so that you build endurance and are able to run even during inclement times.

  

But! But!   I am weak.  I stumble.  I just want to sit out a few races.  Life hurts.  Circumstances are harsh.  People are mean.  Yes…..

BUT---The Coach has selected you…to run the race. He provides you with everything that you need to be able to persevere.  We just need to embrace the Nike slogan, ‘Just Do It’.

Our Coach is not a drillmaster.  He is an encourager and He cheers us on ‘to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us (& trips us up) and to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’

(Hebrews 12:1)

What ‘if’ I fall?  Get over that hurdle because it’s not what ‘if’ I fall but ‘when’ you fall.

You will stumble. You will fall.

What sprinter has not fallen?  What equestrian has not fallen off of their horse?  What relay runner has not dropped the baton in the pass off? What tennis player has not missed the ball?  What basketball player has not missed the shot? What swimmer has not delayed diving off the starter’s block?

Do what an Olympian would do.

Get up.  Keep on keeping on.

Do not look around at others.  Do not listen to the jeers… or the cheers (as they will only distract you from your goal).  Instead--

Keep your eyes on the ultimate prize. 

Keep your eyes on the finish line. 

You may not receive a laurel wreath or even a medal yet you will receive something even more precious than gold and more coveted than a laurel wreath—the words of the ultimate Coach-God, saying to you, ‘well done’.

Now, Pass the Torch.

Wendy’s Witz-dom:  During your Christian walk, keep your ‘witz’ about you!

God’s Wisdom: ‘He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’ (Isaiah 40:29-31)

‘I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’  (2 Timothy 4: 7)

**Eric Liddell, 1924 Olympic Gold Medalist, ‘I believe God made me for a purpose…when I run I feel His pleasure.’

Wendy Lee Witz

©WitzEnd Writings

alwaysatwitzend@blogspot.com

June 24, 2012