Pursue the Goal like an Olympian

“As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says,“In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 NIV

In an inspiring story published yesterday titled “American Olympic Runner Summits Mount Everest,” it was reported that famed runner Nick Symmonds just became the first and only person in history to summit Mt. Everest and break the 4-minute mile. The writer went on to share the Instagram post shared by Citius Mag showing a victorious Symmonds at the top of the mountain. "2x U.S. Olympian and 2013 World Championship 800m silver medalist @nicksymmonds has become the first person to have run a sub-4:00 minute mile and summit Mount Everest. He was part of a group of 30 climbers that reached it today. He has a 3:56:72 mile personal best." It's hard to fathom what else the celebrated athlete is capable of, or where his adventures will take him next. For now, he will probably spend some time recovering from such a grueling journey, but in true Olympian fashion, he is likely already thinking about his next goal.

Speaking of goal setting in ‘true Olympian fashion,’ which could be defined as a mindset that refuses to rest on past accomplishments and continually pursues opportunities for growth, Paul reminded us that as coworkers with God in the ministry of reconciliation, our goal is to always be found working hard and pressing forward (refusing to rest on past accomplishments or even slow down), intent on seeking out and never missing out on a chance to share the Good News. Why? Because, in quoting Isaiah 49:8, Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians that they must live with a sense of urgency— something we must do as well, staying ever mindful that God has a set time for us to be workers together with Him and a set time for that window of opportunity to close. Hence the reason Paul said “now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 

So, choose to live your life with intention and urgency my friend. Choose to live focused on the Lord and the mission every believer partners with Him to complete. In this way, you will have no regrets when you reach that final finish line and have no more time to do the things God has called you to do “now.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we may not have tomorrow and should not put off doing those things you have called us to do today. Help us to use all the time, talents, and treasures You have given us in service to You Lord that we might not have received your grace in vain. Fill us with a sense of urgency that compels us to share the Good News with everyone we meet. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!