Finishing Well
Freestyle skier Elizabeth Swaney has been both praised and maligned for competing in the S. Korean Olympics this week. She’s American by birth, is skiing for Hungary, and previously competed in skeleton for Venezuela. What makes her noteworthy?
She’s been called a terrible skier, certainly not Olympic caliber. No or few tricks in her programs. Viewers and commentators were dismayed as she sashayed back and forth through the half-pipe without a single jump, lift, or turn. How did she qualify for the Olympics?
Blame it on a lack of women freestyle skiers, and the fact that she didn’t fall. She paid her way. She showed up. And she finished. Not in first, second, or third place. But she finished without crashing.
Elizabeth Swaney exploited the lack of female half-pipe skiers, but she hopes to inspire more women athletes in Hungary. Suddenly the public has a new hero who proved that anyone can achieve their dream if they are aware and follow the rules.
I’m always upset when someone says an Olympian because they scored a silver or bronze medal. Shouldn’t they be praised that they are the better than all but one or two people in the entire world?
I’m so glad that God isn’t concerned with how fast we go or what style we display as we run our race of life. He will say “Well done, good and faithful servant,” if we don’t bury our talent, but invest it into kingdom work.
We are called to continue in the race, pressing on for the prize. Crossing the finish line and being welcomed into the Kingdom is worth more than any medal.
Today, Billy Graham died. His son, Franklin Graham, said, “My father was once asked, ‘Where is heaven?’ He said, ‘Heaven is where Jesus is and I am going to Him soon!’”
God isn’t going to ask us if we led thousands to the Lord. He only wants us to be faithful to what He has called us to, small or large, first or last place.
Olympic athletes today and 2000 years ago serve as living examples of what Paul said in his letter to the Philippians:
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:12-14
In the race of life, we will have setbacks and disappointments. These are God’s tools to produce in us perseverance, character, and hope; patience; maturity; and godliness. (Rom. 5:3-4, 2 Cor. 1:6, James 1:4, 2 Peter 1:6)
A single mother lost her job. A family faces foreclosure. A wayward teen breaks his parent’s hearts. A middle-school student is bullied. All people I know. All so hard to live through. But in each of these situations, their testimonies reflect the glory of God. He strengthened their faith as they pressed on through these setbacks and disappointments.
“The testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3-4)
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Consider Him who endured such opposition, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Heb. 12:1b-3
How do we run the race with perseverance? By focusing on Jesus and the joy He sets before us just as He endured the cross by focusing on the joy set before Him. And as we consider Him, He strengthens us so we will not grow weary and lose heart.
Beloved, what will you be considering today?
Beautiful Post Susan. May we all run our race boldly!
Thank you for your encouragement, Susan. May we all run this race for His Glory, no matter if we finish last.
Hi Iris! Thanks. I don’t think it’s possible to finish last or first. Just crossing the finish line is winning ;D