An Inspirational Walk

Much of the world is looking with anticipation to the Olympic summer games being held this year in London.  Since I was young, I always enjoyed watching the televised events.  It was an opportunity to see people compete in events I didn't even know were events!  No one makes an Olympic team without dedication and sacrifice.  In the sporting world, there is no stage greater than the Olympics.  With the exception of the boxing scoring system, the Olympics leave nothing to be desired:  tradition, rivalry, patriotism, emotion, determination, and grit.

The Olympic games are more than a platform to crown the world's best.  It is an opportunity to join with athletes from all over the world who have dedicated their lives to excellence in sport.  Sprinkled in among the televised action, I remember Bob Costas narrating inspirational vignettes documenting the struggles and difficulties of athletes who obtained their Olympic dreams of simply being able to compete.  Most of the stories were of American superstars, but included athletes from all over the world.  I am very interested to see what events will be televised now that I live in Australia.  And I'll be wearing my Aussie green and gold, thank you very much!

It would be a sad commentary if we needed to wait four years to be inspired by stories of people overcoming obstacles to obtain Olympic gold.  In fact, some people who I find most inspirational will never make an Olympic team.  They are not athletes with ripped physiques.  They are not recognized in their hometowns on the streets, no passerby asks for their autographs, and they have never been on TV.  Sometimes seemingly ordinary people can be extraordinary.  They exhibit inner strength through God which makes the strength of world-class Olympic lifters appear puny.  When faced with challenges, their faith in Christ remains steadfast and true.  Whether they find themselves on a sickbed, caring for a infirm spouse, or working through grief and disappointment, it is God who makes them strong.  I have been blessed to know many people who fit in this category.

At a church family meeting a couple weeks ago, I witnessed something more inspirational than seeing someone win a gold medal.  It was a culmination of events that began several months ago.  Kevin and Anne Guest were enjoying a cruise when Anne suffered a stroke, losing the use of her left side.  This led to months of hospital treatment, constant visits and chronicling of events by Kevin, and hard work for Anne with physical therapy.  Slowly Anne began to gain strength.  It was a joyful day when Kevin and Anne could return home together without time restrictions!  During the family meeting after church, I asked people to share with all what God had been teaching them.  I was nearly overcome with tears when Anne deftly stood to her feet alone, took her walking stick in hand, and began to walk slowly forward.  With a gleam of valiant determination in her eye, Anne looked intently upon the people at the meeting.  She quoted Isaiah 40:31:  "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  She added, "I'm not running yet, but I'm walking."  She slowly returned to her wheelchair and sat down.  That was an incredible moment, one I will never forget.

Whether you are a world-class athlete, someone laid low with illness, or experiencing trials of all kinds, God grants strength to those who fear Him.  There is no one more inspirational to me than Jesus Christ, and I am so blessed when I see His strength on display through His people.  Let us continually honour God, drawing strength only from our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 6:10 reads, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."  Thank God for the many ways He inspires us!