I love watching the Olympics. There is something inspiring about watching athletes from around the world come together to put their dreams on the line. Everyone who competes in the Olympics does so with one goal in mind – a gold medal. Hours of practice, years of discipline, and a lifetime of sacrifice point the athletes toward a single goal – standing on the podium, flag flying, anthem playing, with a medal around their necks.
The stories that fill the Olympic Games always go straight to my heart. Stories of families who have dedicated themselves, sacrificed time, money, and opportunities in order to help their athlete live a dream. Stories of towns who have offered support and encouragement. Stories of the strength required to overcome pain, injuries, and heartbreak. One goal inspires them all – being the victor, winning the gold medal.
“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. 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
Here is the good news. We all have gold medal potential. At the Olympics, only one athlete can be a winner. In Christ, victory is not only possible, but guaranteed, to everyone who runs the race.
My Jesus Resolution today is to commit to my training. I don’t think of myself as an athlete, but the lessons I can learn from watching the Olympics can help me run the race. Keep your focus. Surround yourself with people who will cheer you on. If you fall down, get back up. Keep practicing. Don’t give up. Sacrifice is necessary. Remember that you are on a team. Thank those who help you. Keep in mind that in the end, it will all be worth it.
Casandra Martin 
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