Considerable Thoughts

Have you been enjoying the Winter Olympics? We have.  Ted and I watch as much as we can, late into the evening.  My favorite sport to watch is the speed skating; and yes Shani Davis and Apolo Ohno do make it even more enjoyable to watch.  One of the things I enjoy most about the Olympics, whether it be summer or winter, are all the back stories, the personal stories of individual athletes overcoming obstacles, of perseverance and sacrifice, of recovery and retraining after injury.  These athletes should inspire us to many things.  Most medal stand winners are made not just because of their superb athletic ability and physical training, but have usually overcome some limitations as well, which somehow I think give them that extra edge mentally and emotionally.   They would share with you about their many slips and falls, head-over-heal crashes, spilled blood, deep bruises and even equipment failure. Emotional limitations can also set one back to the "bunny hill"  or even bring you to the point of setting the skis out for the garage sale.  They would share with you that giving up was not an option, that even though things may be very painful, and that sometimes sacrifice has to come into play, true joy awaits on the other side. 

God wants all of his trained athletes to be on the medal stand.  Maybe you feel like you are just racing around in circles, concentrating on who may bump you instead of looking towards the finish line God is pushing you towards. The weather is not perfect, the snow too flaky, you are not sure you can trust what is underneath you;  maybe you are even pursuing the wrong sport.  

God has a crown of jewels for all of us.  In our chosen time, He will award us according to our training and performance here on Earth.  While many will make it to the games; just how many will only be spectators instead of participants.  You have trusted enough to receive your opening ceremony ticket, yet you remain in the stands. 

I challenge you: sharpen those rusty skates, wax your skis, take a few slap shots towards the goal; reconnect with your Personal Trainer and Coach. Sometimes it is very hard to work out and work through intense pain. You may need different types of physical (and spiritual) therapy to get your self confident, to feel His power, to know His will, to be ready to inspire others. 

The torch never looses its flame.  Do not miss the opportunity to be a torch bearer for God.  He has orchestrated that opportunity in your life. God has no limitations when it comes to serving Him in obedience and using our gifts. An award awaits those whose focus in on the team, and raises the torch to bring glory to their Father.  

"The richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if their were no limitations to overcome."  Helen Keller.

Phil. 4:13  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."