The opening ceremonies of the XXIII Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea began recently. It was a spectacular event. The pageantry and the camaraderie as each country marched by waving in unison to the large crowd of spectators was inspiring. For a brief moment in time even North and South Korea joined together as the nations marched into the arena. In Revelations 7:9-10 we see another scene much like the unison of those ceremonies. “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hand. And they cried out in a loud voice; Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.”
Yes, one day every person will stand before God. Right now, as we are on earth, we must be like the athlete and strive to do our best. We are running a race on our journey of life. Everyone who arises after stumbling and continues to start again, even when life gives us struggles, pain and disappointments will finish the race well. We are not competing against one another as it may seem. We do not need to compare ourselves with others. If we do we will be sidetracked and become discouraged. We will think we are not capable, loved and cherished. But God loves us just as we are with unconditional love! He does not judge us if we stumble and fall. When we embrace His love we will gain strength to keep on and not give up. Run your race, sweet sister! Join others and let them encourage and lift you up. We are not alone. Don’t let pride or disappointments keep you in defeat. Jesus loves you with an everlasting love. Look to Him and He will never leave or forsake you. Take that first step today, and make a commitment to never ever give up! The glory of the Lord will be well worth your journey and just as some athletes in the Olympics will receive medals and the joy of their anthem, God’s children will receive a crown and the fanfare of the Creator of the Universe as He says, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” Imagine Jesus cheering for you sweet daughter of the King. He is proud of you as you stand up for Him and as you encourage others around you. Let us all Race to His ultimate embrace.
