Expectation Without Disappointment

Sports fans all over the world are focused on London as the 2012 Olympics have commenced.  With four years between chances to compete for mere moments to secure a gold medal, the unspeakable elation and disappointment of these athletes is also on display.  Some have waited four years for redemption after a poor performance in the previous Games, and others have waited their whole lives just to have a chance at Olympic glory.  The best athletes in the world train incredibly hard, sacrificing all else to perform at their best to win.  There are those who win, and those who do not.  I don't view anyone who makes it to the Olympics as a loser.

Flipping on the TV this morning in Sydney, the big news of the day was the expected victory that didn't happen.  The buildup to the 4 X 100 men's freestyle relay has been enormous, and there was an expectation of our swimmers to win gold.  Some speculated that the world record might fall based upon their times in the trials.  But statistics and historical data are meaningless once the race begins.  That is one of the exciting things about sport:  things don't always happen how we may expect.  It turned out that France edged out the USA for gold and Russians took home the bronze.  The Australians were left stunned, not even winning a medal.  Even today the disappointing reality seems like an surreal nightmare to those four young men.  The next four years will crawl by until the men once again have the opportunity to be crowned Olympic champions in the relay.  Good on ya, boys.  You'll get 'em next time.

One of the swimmers was interviewed this morning on channel 9 and was trying to convey his deep disappointment in the result.  He talked about all the hours and effort they had put in to perform well.  He spoke of many sacrifices, how he hadn't eaten a slice of bread or had a drink all year.  The loss seemed to make him wonder aloud if all the hard work and sacrifice was really worthy it.  Had he been interviewed with Olympic gold gracing his neck, there would have been no doubt:  it would have all been worth it!  It's painful and awkward to feel like you have lost something you never had in the first place.

Perhaps this is how some people feel as they go through life.  People make sacrifices for all sorts of reasons:  they work a second job to put their children through school; some wake at 4am every morning to begin their training regimen; others eat and drink less than they'd like to improve their fitness.  The life of a Christian is one of great sacrifice.  Before the end of our days it is a good question to have settled:  is my sacrifice worth it?  For a Christian we only need answer this question:  was Christ's sacrifice worth it?  It was certainly worth it!  Christ died on a cross as the Lamb of God and rose three days later defeating death.  He has purchased with His precious blood all who repent and trust in Him for salvation.  Because He deemed it a worthy sacrifice to die for man, man ought to view Christ as worthy of all sacrifice.  Any sacrifice I make for His glory is small indeed compared to that of Christ, being God made flesh.

Though we will experience tribulation in this life, we are told to take heart because Jesus has overcome the world.  We have granted us by grace a hope that cannot disappoint.  Romans 5:1-5 reads, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³ And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; ⁴ and perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."  While Olympians work, train, and sacrifice all for a chance at momentary glory that fades away, the hope we have in Christ today is sure and exceeds any expectation we could possible have.  I am sure there are some Olympians who win gold and experience the great euphoria of victory.  It only may be a short time later when they open that box and look at their medal and think, "So that's it?  Now that the moment is gone, what is left for me?"  Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 5:10, "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity."  One would think someone like Michael Phelps with his many medals would be satisfied, but he still wants more gold.

The trip to the Olympics for some might be disappointing, but no one will be disappointed who is given a glorious entrance to heaven by grace through Christ.  Born again Christians enter, not because of our worthiness, but due to the goodness and victory of our King Jesus.  The streets of New Jerusalem will be made of pure gold.  There will be no sun because God Himself will be the light.  There will be no time restraint, for we will dwell with God in His presence for all eternity.  There will be no sin, sickness, disease, crying, or death.  The happy euphoria we experience on earth is but a fleeting hint of the profound joy, satisfaction, and awe we will experience forever.  This world is filled with disappointments, but we know that God is worth every sacrifice.  He is worthy, faithful, and true.  He has already won, and the day is coming when the celebration will be unhindered.  God gives us hope that cannot disappoint!