Go for the Gold
I have enjoyed watching the 2010 Winter Olympics these past two weeks.
From figure skating to downhill skiing, from the bobsled to snow boarding, from hockey to curling, the eyes of the world have been focused on those who were “going for the gold.”
These young men and women have trained for years. They have disciplined their bodies, minds and spirits. They have overcome injuries, setbacks, and dream-shattering losses, and used them instead to thrust forward toward their quest for the gold. It is their unwavering determination and sacrifice that ultimately positions them for the competition of their lifetime.
We, too, are challenged to “go for the gold.” Even though we are grieved by various trials, setbacks, and losses, through it all we are told to be exceedingly glad because the journey is about the genuineness of our faith being tested; our faith is infinitely more precious than the gold which is tested and purified by fire yet ultimately perishes.
Our trials are not meant for our destruction, but for our advancement.
As Abraham waited for the fulfillment of his promised son, things couldn’t have looked bleaker. Yet, the more Abraham was pressed, the more he rejoiced.
Being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body. He staggered not through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, that what God had promised He was able to perform. The more there was no hope, the more Abraham believed in hope! (Romans 4:16)
Do you remember when God spoke to Jehoshaphat in the middle of what looked like a hopeless situation? “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:22). Jehoshaphat was not being told that God would fight the battle while he stayed home. Jehoshaphat had to show up on the battlefield!
Faith is acted upon and tested on the battlefield. The spoils are awarded on the battlefield. The victory is won on the battlefield.
Everything depends upon our believing God.
Everything depends on a tested, trusted faith in God.
By faith, the elders obtained a good testimony… and it is by faith that we, too, obtain a good testimony.
Position yourselves! Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you.
Grab hold of your promise today. God, and God alone is able to perform what He has promised.
Advance across your battlefield and keep your eye on the goal. Go for the gold!
Thank you for sharing your heart and insight as it has been revealed to you. It helps to see thru those times of trial when you can hear of these times we are in. God has given you a gift to share and I truly am encouraged by it.
Many blessings,
Rebecca
Amen…..Go for the Gold!! I love confirmation class!! At our Thursday eve. women’s Bible Study time this week we were singing….Mighty is our God!!! …. You are awesome in this place Mighty God…The Battle belongs to the Lord!! We had the same sense that even though there are times that it ‘looks’ like we are ‘outnumbered’ or it ‘looks’ hopeless….BUT GOD!! The Lord reminded us of the different times in the Old Testament where GOD SHOWED up….to stand and see the salvation of the Lord!!! O let us MAGNIFY THE LORD TOGETHER!! The word ‘stand’ means to arise….the same stand from Eph chapter 6, putting on the full armor of God….having done all…stand….arise and see the salvation of the Lord!! Blessings to all my AGLOW sisters!!!
昨晚剛與委員會姊妹分享帶小組時所出現的困擾,難處和心中爭扎.但今早一起床打開電郵一看,有信從國際發光Jane Hansen 而來的分享,十分鼓舞,尤如是上帝給我的信.我用了一小時翻譯及理解才明白信中所表達的,但藉得!是的,我們需要勝過一切身心靈的障礙和假話,神為要我們奪金!失敗的只有仇敵,神會做在我們敵人面前為我擺設宴席!得勝乃在乎耶和華!阿門! Hong Kong Mei Lan
When I think of this blogs title; “Go for the Gold” I’m reminded of a few things.
I live in California “The Golden State” & “Gold-digging: Thats what Holy Spirit has really been working with me, on me and through me the past few years. He’s calling me to be a “gold-digger” .It really takes very little discernment on my part to see or notice the negative going on around me, at a meeting, on a person, ect. But, He is calling me to look at everything from His perspective. Will I focus and celebrate what God is doing and not focus and complain about what He is not doing? When I choose to focus and celebrate what He is doing, I have found Him to be always faithful to do MORE. Will I look at others keeping Papas “Love Button” pressed down and dig for the gold inside of them, no matter how deep it is buried and encourage them and call it forth? Hmmmmmmmm, Lord help me to increase going forward, full-throttle, being a Gold-digger, with Your perspective, going for the Gold! Thank you Jane for prompting me to reflect on this and I declare that you are God’s Golden-Girl! bringing shining glittering Glory to our King!