Spoiler Alert! What God Is Teaching Me Through the Olympics

It’s no secret that one of the most popular sports of the summer Olympics is women’s gymnastics. This year the Fabulous Five lived up to their name and went for the gold--the first since 1996! I spent an exciting night watching every nailed routine. But, one thing was different this time around. I already knew the ending.

There’s been no small frustration about the presentation of results for us from the other side of the ocean. Some social media outlets picked up on this and changed the way they made announcements. But, with a five hour time difference, the inevitable spoiler was bound to happen. So, imagine my irritation when my homepage announced the result of the women’s gymnastics competition several hours before Primetime network coverage. Boo!

Yet, the Lord is using that spoiler to teach me a lesson. You see, I wasn’t nearly as nervous watching this time around because I knew that, whatever happened, we’d still get the gold. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. There was no changing that. So, even if someone botched a routine, or bobbled on the balance beam, or stepped out of bounds on a floor exercise, the USA would still be bringing home the gold. I was relatively calm, confident, and expectant.

How much more should this be the case in my walk with God? I already have the whole story. I already know the ending. With every struggle, failure, and doubt, I can and should be confident that “every word of God proves true” (Prov. 30:5). Anything short of that is unbelief.

God has been gracious to speak promise after promise to His people about our future. Promises like 1 Peter 5:10-11.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

So, I’ll say it to your soul and mine. Take heart! Believe God! And run to win the prize. Our God has won the victory.  

What have you learned watching the Olympics? In what area do you need to take God at His Word?

About the Author

Lindsay Swartz

Lindsay Swartz

Lindsay Swartz serves at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) as the managing editor of content. She completed her Master of Divinity at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and currently makes her home in Nashville, Tennessee, where she loves … read more …


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