Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. – 1 Peter 1:8
In another month, Americans and the world will tune into the 2024 Summer Olympics from Paris, France. World-class athletes have trained extensively, and you will see them compete with all the gusto they can muster. Those who medal will occasionally point a finger heavenward or drop to their knees with a “Thank You, Lord” on their lips. Following her gold medal wins at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, record-setting U.S. hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone emphatically rejoiced by giving the glory to God.
Exuberant with joy, she exclaimed, “What an honor it is to be able to represent not only my country but also the kingdom of God. What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it doesn’t seem possible. He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory. I have never seen God fail in my life. In anyone’s life for that matter. Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart’s desires, does not mean God had failed. His will is perfect. And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.”
This athlete knows the power of God in her life. She is expected to dominate hurdles and sprints at the Paris Olympics. Pray that whether she stands on the winner’s platform or not, the testimony of her unspeakable joy in the Lord will shine forth. Pray for all Christian athletes to avail themselves of the opportunity to give glory to God on the world’s stage as they bask in the joy of their accomplishments. Ask the Lord for boldness in your own life to testify about Christ Jesus.
Today’s Verse: 1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 1:13-21
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
