Sole success

"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me--and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." 1 Corinthians 15:10

Nikes are the preferred shoe of many athletes. Pay close attention and you will see them worn in nearly every sport from running to basketball to soccer and tennis. But did you know that the idea started with a waffle? Bill Bowerman (Univ. of Oregon track-and-field coach) and Phil Knight started Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 where they sold running shoes. Bowerman dreamed of a shoe that would provide traction without spikes after watching the athlete's metal cleats tear up the track .  One Sunday morning in 1971, while eating waffles with his wife, the idea of the waffle sole was born. And the rest is history you could say as Nike sales are now around $30 billion a year. And that little running store they started? That is now Asics.

Quite a success story isn't it? The apostle Paul knew a bit about success too having brought thousands of people to Christ and yet said of himself, "But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me." Like the founders of Nike, he accomplished great things but never forgot or failed to acknowledge where it truly came from. Romans 11:36 says this, "For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory..."

So, whether you're blessed with fame, fortune, or an ability to run, where do you attribute your success? You may have indeed "worked harder" than most people-but remember the words of Paul, "yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." No matter how hard we work, if it were not for the "special favor" of Christ, we could accomplish nothing. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for pouring out your favor upon us and giving us the many good things and fortune we have in our lives. May we never fail to acknowledge you as the Source of all things and the sole reason we are what we are now. May you continue to pour out your blessings upon us as we give you all the glory forever and ever. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

www.team413.org

http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/10/us/nike-waffle-sole-inspiration/index.html

Nothing without you - Jason Nelson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqXHbj-q35c