Olympic gold

I was able to watch all of the US gold medal moments during the Rio Olympics back to back thanks to the NBC Sports app. It is an interesting perspective because I know when the event begins that each athlete has already won. Nevertheless, I find myself captivated by their performances. Regardless of the event, watching the competitors battle through adversity and pain, facing each challenge as they come – it’s compelling.

I feel the same way watching people from my church. They’re winners, too. They’ve already been adopted by Heavenly Father, and their names are written in the Lambs Book of Life. But that doesn’t mean they never struggle. They get knocked down. Their shining moments are sometimes few and far between.

They may not have gold medals hanging from their necks, but they’re going to be walking streets of gold. That is what God promised, and it’s what Christ secured when he defeated death and sin on the cross. And so, every believer can say along with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.”