Lord of The Five Rings

You know me so well, Lord.  And I am eternally grateful… for Your Unfailing Love!

You know how to blow on my “embers” whenever my “fire” starts to smolder.  You know how to snap me to attention whenever I nod off.  You know how to lift me onto Your shoulders whenever Life’s mountains appear too high.

This week, You are doing all this and more through the Summer Olympic Games.  Even the five rings that represent the continents from which the athletes come.  Reminding me that You are The Lord of The Five Rings…

… The Lord of the Earth!

Everywhere I look, I see Your reminders of The Race I am in that is no “game” at all.  The Race with The Prize that is far more significant than any earthly medal.

“And let us run with perseverance The Race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”  (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I am awed by the physical and mental discipline of these Olympians.  Their hard work spanning many years.  Their keen awareness of their Goal / Vision / Dream… and their relentless pursuit of it.

Yes, Lord, I am awed.  And humbled.  And inspired.  Just like You want me to be.  Because The Race to which You have called me requires no less of me.  Yet I also see differences in our respected “races.”

They are aware of their competitors.  Those from other countries — those within their own teams — whose personal excellence might snatch their Dream right out of their grasp.

For me, there is no “competition.”  I could not possibly make myself more “worthy” in Your eyes or “earn” more of Your love.  How could I become “better” than anyone else when there is no “better” in Your eyes, Lord?

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  (Romans 3:23)

It is a miracle that You love me as You do, Lord.  And yet, You do… and You will.

“This is what the Lord says — He who created you… Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.”  (Isaiah 43:1)

There is no competition, but there is certainly opposition.

“Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  (1 Peter 5:8)

Yet You are with me, Lord!  You sustain me and enable me to stand firm!  With You… and my Forever Family!

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”  (Romans 8:31)

“Resist [the devil,] standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”  (1 Peter 5:9)

So I train… and run… and cheer others on… and carry the weak… and lean on those stronger than me… especially You, Lord.  And that is how we will ALL finish well!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ… will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”  (1 Peter 5:10)

Gratefully…   🙂   !!!

Abba’s Girl

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *