I must admit I’ve spent some late nights and early mornings watching some of the Olympics. I love to see the athletes, who show such self discipline, dedication and perseverance, achieving their best. Many of their personal stories are even more inspiring than their sporting achievements, and so many testify to the personal growth that has come from their disappointments and hardships as well as the highlights of their sporting careers.
However, I heard the term ‘10 seconds to glory’ early on the morning before the 100 metre race, and it made me think about how blessed we are as Christians that we are called to run a race for a prize that is granted to us by our Saviour, Jesus. He has made the sacrifice. He has paid the price, and we are assured an eternity of blessing and glory – not just 10 seconds.
I’m inspired by the athletes to apply myself to living the best way I can, to develop my skills and gifts, and to persevere in spite of setbacks. I believe this is how God wants me to live too, but I’m so thankful that glory for me does not depend on how well I do, who I beat, or how many people applaud me.
This is such an encouragement to me because as much as I’m spurred on by the number of people who buy my books, or LIKE my author page, or give me positive feedback, I’m assured that the greatest prize of all is already mine. And because I do my best to glorify God in all I do, including my writing, I know I can trust Him to bring me to the finish line and help me produce the best results possible.
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
What a wonderful promise!
I had some similar thoughts to these when I wrote my first novel
I had some similar thoughts to these when I wrote my first novel
‘Suzannah’s Gold.’ (http://www.amazon.com/author/carolpreston) People in Suzannah’s life were not going for gold medals but they were sacrificing much in the hope of finding gold nuggets. I loved writing about Suzannah, for whom gold was found in trusting God and doing what was right in His eyes.
Of course our lives are still challenging, there are still hurdles along the way, and goals that stretch us until we are spent, but what a blessing to reach for the best with absolute assurance that we are winners in God’s eyes.
Carol http://www.carolpreston.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/writingtoreach
Thanks for that beautiful reminder of what's ahead of us Carol. Especially the discipline part!
ReplyDeleteHowever, as much as I persevere in my writing I know that's not the "be all and end all" of my life. There are other things I must not place before it. Especially taking time to interact with my neighbours when sometimes I'd rather just be writing. It's a case of priorities. (But got to get back to the great story on your blog.)
So true Rita. Knowing what's the most important thing to spend time and energy on is a real challenge. It's easy to do the things we love but the self discipline really has to kick in to do some other things.
Deletehttp://internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com is where I've posted today's blog on FRUSTRATION. It might bring a smile.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Carol. The best prize of all, and one that will last forever - we already have it! I'm gonna carry that thought for the rest of today. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for those wonderful thoughts Carol. You are dead right. Our main source of encouragement should be Jesus - and the prize that we already have in Him. I love the fact that an athlete's life is so much like the life of a Christian - needing discipline and hard work and sacrifice. I often tell myself that I am a Disciple of Jesus first and a Writer second. That helps put my priorities in order. So yes, I do agree with all you said.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post,
Anusha
Your post inspired me to look up some 'whatever you do' verses:
ReplyDelete1Co_10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Eph_6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.
Col_3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Col_3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
By the way, I really loved Susannah's Gold - very inspiring.
Thanks, Carol.
Thanks Margaret. Glad you enjoyed Suzannah's Gold, but as you've shown the scriptures need no padding to be inspiring. Isn't that wonderful.
DeleteWatching the Olympics provokes all sorts of thoughts about dedication and endurance, doesn't it Carol. Nice thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful post, Carol. It's such a relief to know, isn't it, that we don't miss out on our 'prize' because we touched the wall or crossed the line a hundredth of a second behind someone else?! God bless
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, Carol. I've just read one of your books and enjoyed it:-)
ReplyDeleteWendy Sargeant
Thanks all for your responses and thoughts. I read your blog on FRUSTRATION Rita. So true. And now that the Olympics are over, it's back to editing my next book. God bless.
ReplyDeleteSorry I am late reading, Carol. I've been bogged down with work lately and wondering if it is all worth it. Thank you for the reminder that IT IS.
ReplyDelete