Watching the Olympics can be inspiring, or discouraging, depending on our outlook. Bridget shares how we each participate in our own “Olympics” and we get our strength from God.
“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. . . You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not turn” (2 Samuel 22:33-34, 37).
There is something almost magical about watching the Olympics. I think it’s seeing people exceed beyond the “normal” that’s exciting. You can’t be a spectator and not be inspired to try your own Olympic sport! The thing I like the most is hearing the stories of how these athletes got started–especially those who’ve overcome major obstacles to be where they are today.
For those of us who deal with daily illnesses and health issues, just getting up each day can be a battle. For me, watching the Olympics brings up childhood memories. Back then I was a devoted athlete and even into weight-lifting (could bench almost 150 pounds) –with no sign of any health struggles. Now, I’m lucky if I can do two regular push-ups! When I compare my two worlds, it can be depressing and disappointing.
However, if I continue to dwell on what I don’t have, I’ll never improve or move on from where I’m presently at. When I’m so focused on the past I have no future. I know that’s not what God wants for me!
With my strength from God, and His help, I can do better. I can exceed my normal. I can succeed at my own race. The key is to not depend on my own strength, but to depend on God’s strength. My meager power will only get me two regular push-ups. But with God’s strength, I can and will do more than I ever imagined.
Not only do I need to trust God for help, but I need to set realistic expectations for myself. I am probably never going to be a weight-lifter again, but I can continue to build my body strength one push up at a time. I probably won’t ever run a marathon, but I can walk one mile. The best thing I can do is be consistent and to move as I can (however much that may be).
I don’t know about you but watching the Olympics has inspired me to keep on running my own race and to not give up. I pray this for you as well–with God you can be a Christian athlete!
Prayer: Dear God, every step I take is a milestone and I thank You for walking with me during my life-race. Without You I wouldn’t be where I am today. Help me to do more. Help me to endure my race with strength and agility! Amen.
About the Author
Bridget Gazlay resides in beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with fibromyalgia, endometriosis, IBS, kidney stones, and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric art on the side. Bridget’s prayer is that anyone who comes across her writing or artwork would see she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” Find out more about Bridget at, http://www.pfccreations.com.
How has God helped you to do more lately? Does watching the Olympics inspire you to be a better you, to not be discouraged when challenged? What does it mean to you that you have power in your strength from God?
This is one of our favorite Olympic moments from a past year, 1996, with Muhammad Ali, who, while coping with Parkinson’s Disease, lit the torch.
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