So I loved the Olympic Games whilst it was on. I watched particularly the 2nd week pretty religiously, as the only sport I really love is the athletics, probably because there aren't any complex rules; athletes literally running in straight lines, throwing things, jumping, using uncomplicated poles to jump etc.
One athlete that really stood out for me was Christine Ohuruogu. This could possibly be because my mum has been saying "Oh, she's your age" all through the run-up to the games, as parents tend to do. So she stood out in my mind before running the 400m finals at the birds nest thing on Tuesday.
What impressed me was how she ran 'her own race' as Michael Johnson said. She was not at all phased by the other athletes, particularly Sanya Richards, the favourite from
I've got that amazing image in my mind even now as I write, reminding me about this Christian race I'm in. When tempted to compare myself to other Christians, or to other people in general thinking about how successful or accomplished they are over me, I have to remember that the race that I'm in is not to be run in my own strength, comparing myself to the other 'athletes' around me. There are many bible verses in the New Testament that speak of the Christian life as a race. I think my favourite though, and probably the most challenging to me, is the one in Hebrews 12:1-3 which follows on from *a list of excellent people of faith who ran their life races believing and trusting in God.
The writer says:
1Therefore, 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. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Jesus had a real focus from day one of his ministry. He knew he was going to suffer, but he had an even greater view of the reward that stood for him after the suffering, that being that He would be the one by whom salvation from sin’s consequences is purchased;
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. – Philippians 2:10-11.
