Olympian efforts: Pressing on to win the prize
I happened to take a break from my labours this morning in time to see Adam Peaty retain his Olympic 100 metres breast stroke gold medal. It reminded me afresh of the rewards for perseverance. Every day serious swimmers, long distance runners, divers, ice skaters and so athletes and artists get up early and train, pummelling their bodies and foregoing many ‘normal’ pleasures in order to focus on winning the prize.
Paul uses athletic terminology too. ‘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. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.’ (1 Cor. 9:25-27)
The Lord more than does His part, but we need too to persist and persevere. A few years ago I wrote a song called ‘Remember what I’ve done,’ to which I added the subtitle ‘I will lead you on to glory.’ Big thanks to Linda Entwistle, who both sang it and helped arrange it. It is good indeed to remember all He has done for us, and to use these memories to goad and inspire us to press on to all He has in store for us!