judyalutz.com

The Paris Olympics caught my attention as I observe the intense training of athletes to qualify and participate in these worldwide games.

It’s no secret that the high level of performance takes extensive, dedicated hours, whether in flexibility or strength and endurance, depending on the sport.

Canadian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, Summer McIntosh, speaks of her training with first-class coaching and an environment that pushed her to her limits while still maintaining a sense of enjoyment. She also spoke of her teammates and the life-long friendships that have been made. “For me, the most challenging aspect of being an elite swimmer is just the day-to-day grind. But we all kind of lift each other up and keep each other motivated, so we have fun while doing it. I always say you swim your fastest when you’re the happiest and I think that’s the key for athletes reaching their potential.“

Although there are many other notable Olympic medalists, my snapshot of Summer’s young career causes me to ponder the effectiveness and rewards of those that diligently and physically train for an Olympic sport versus the endurance of a Christian’s spiritual race.

The first step of qualification in a spiritual race begins when one realizes that they have fallen short of God’s glorious standards and are sinners, in need of a Savior. There comes a time of realization that God presented Christ Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. Jesus freed us from the penalty of our sin through the blood of Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-28 NLT) ”For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV) This is a stark contrast to the regiment demanded to qualify for the Olympics.

But now that “qualification”, is complete, the race begins! There is life to live!

The Bible uses the metaphor of running a race to teach spiritual and moral lessons.

In 1 Cor. 9: 24-27 Paul uses imagery in this verse to highlight the importance of perseverance and discipline in the Christian life. He reminds us to approach our journey with purpose, discipline and the goal of an eternal reward.

Hebrews also uses the metaphor of running, urging the believers to persevere in their faith with endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2 emphasizes the importance of overcoming obstacles and to keep our eyes on the founder and perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ.

There are many parallels between those that train for a sport and those of us that have entered a spiritual race. The grind may wear on an athlete but there is a support system comprised of a coach, their family and close friends.

Likewise, as believers, we may also grow weary as we face adversities in life. Are there times when your journey seems too hard to carry on? Do you have a support group? When your heart is heavy and tears stain your cheeks, do you cry out to the Lord and ask for his help, and reach out to others to share your burdens? To face the daily grind, we need a support system just like the athletes do. It’s very hard to do life alone.

Another common factor that Christians share with athletes is the process of maturing with time and experience. Summer McIntosh started training at the young age of fourteen, and with time, her physical body  matured, gaining strength and endurance. For the Christian, there are always ample situations to strengthen our faith and increase spiritual growth. Each day athletes have goals and purpose, pushing their bodies hard to reach higher performance levels of strength and endurance. Although Christians don’t obtain salvation through good works, it’s important to set time aside to focus on truth through the word, developing an ongoing relationship with God; believing, thinking, and living life in God’s truth. The Bible refers to this maturing process as sanctification.

The aspect of endurance while training for the Olympics, is the ability to withstand difficult situations, demanding great physical stamina, which takes place over a long period of time. Does this sound familiar? So, suit up and prepare for life’s curve balls which gives ample opportunity to engage in the trek of endurance. No one signs up for trials, but they have a way of finding us! As much as we yearn for sorrows to never enter our lives, they have a refining work, developing endurance, and endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope and assurance of salvation. (Romans 5:4 – NLT) Therefore, through God’s grace, we place our confidence in the Lord,  running the race with endurance, drawing near to our heavenly Father through the storms and heartbreaks of life. (Psalm 18:28-33).

The race will not be easy. Firstly, qualify through faith in Christ Jesus. Next, I encourage you through the grace of our Lord, to be diligent, to find purpose for your days, set goals, practice self-control, develop a support group through your family if possible, and a Bible-based church family. And above all, stay secure in the confident hope of the eternal reward that is set before you, Running your race with purpose in every step. Continue to discipline your body like an athlete and endure till you cross the finish line.

There will be a day when I will declare, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Lord God, you see and know each person that will read this article. You even know how many hairs are on (or not on) their head! Many face a myriad of desperate situations where only You can  give healing. Help us to cling to You as the One that will provide. I realize that all our prayers are not answered the way we like as in my own situation. My blindness and loss of much hearing makes life difficult at times, but with your grace for each day, I know You will make all things work together for good. I pray that others are empowered with this same strength through your Holy Spirit and through scripture. We run for the prize of an eternal crown that will never perish or wither. May our steadfast focus remain on You and not our situation. The joy of the Lord is my strength, and like Summer, I also run the race best when I have joy in my soul!

https://olympics.com/en/news/summer-mcintosh-deal-pressure-expectation-paris-2024