Desire, discipline, perseverance and self-control; these are just some of the words that come to mind as I watch the athletes perform at this years Winter Olympic Games.Each one of these athletes has endured rigorous training schedules over the course of many years in preparation to compete in these games. Each athlete has encountered various trials that have strengthened their fighting spirit and perseverance. Each athlete has one common goal and one common dream; they each want to win the “Gold Medal”.
St. James tells us “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters,
when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect,
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Jas 1:2-4
Lord, I know that you have not called us all to be great Olympian athletes. However I do know that you have called us each by name. Your desire for us is to preserver in faith and to grow in holiness that we may be perfect and complete, as you oh Lord are perfect and complete.
Grant us Lord, the wisdom and courage we need to overcome all the obstacles in our lives that are displeasing to you. May the fire of your love burn brightly within us, warming the hearts of all you send our way.
