Always get back up

“But when after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.” Acts 14:20 BSB

On August 1, Isaiah Jewett of the U.S. and Nigel Amos of Botswana fell on the last curve of the 800-meter race at the Tokyo Olympics. And while that’s certainly a sad turn of events for any athlete (especially one who has trained so hard for so long), the NY Times posted this headline last Sunday, “How a Runner Turned a Nightmare Into a Great Olympic Moment.” Just what did Jewett do that would elicit that jaw-dropping headline you might be asking if you didn’t catch the moment live? Isaiah, the reporter said, become an inspiration for athletes looking for an example of how to bounce back after a major disappointment when, immediately after falling down, acknowledged what had happened but made the decision to not allow his circumstances to keep him from doing what he knew he needed to do. He got back up, extended a hand to Amos, and helped him up as well. Of that epic moment, Jewett later said, “If you are giving everything you have, you don’t have anything to regret. Yes, it might turn out differently than expected, but that’s life.” Isaiah went on to say, “At the end of the day heroes fall all the time, but legends always get up”

And you know, when it comes to legends, the apostle Paul certainly fits the definition of being a person who inspires others—especially when it comes to keeping the faith and pressing on despite obstacles. You see, Paul refused to give up, even when he was stoned, left for dead and then dragged out of Lystra for preaching the Good News. The Bible tells us that this legend “got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe” where he influenced a large number of people to follow Christ before returning again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, where he encouraged the disciples to remain true to the faith despite the hardships they would encounter.

Talk about determination, right? Paul returned twice! He truly was a legend of the faith... something that every believer (that means you and me) should strive to be in their mission to preach the Good News and lead the lost to Christ. Especially now as end times draw near and we prepare to face more and more opposition when sharing the Message. Like Paul, we must always press on despite all obstacles and get back up no matter how many times we get knocked down. Sharing the Gospel is that important!

Heavenly Father, thank You for legends like Paul who we can look to for inspiration. Cause us to consider the many rewards Paul received in heaven for his hard work on this earth. Make us bold to speak the Truth Lord so that we would fulfill the Great Commision to make disciples. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!!