While watching the Olympic Games, I was struck by the joy of the athletes who won gold medals. All the years of hard work have finally paid off. However, only a few athletes win gold, leaving the other athletes feeling defeated. But even the winner’s joy will eventually fade. When my dad used to run the Comrades ultramarathon, he would carry a sign that said “Running for GO L D” with the “L” crossed out. It conveyed a powerful message that rather than striving for gold, we should aim for the higher goal – God. 1 Peter 1:7 reminds us of this – “So that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” While winning gold is amazing, it’s a victory ultimately forgotten. True, eternal victory is faith in God, which gives us a reward that lasts forever. “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25). Run your race with your eyes fixed on God, for He is your ultimate, eternal prize. Open Bible – http://bit.ly/1co9v24-25, http://bit.ly/1Pe1v7 (Hannah B)
