Over the last few weeks, the Olympics have been a hot topic in our household. We acknowledge the achievement of every athlete who was selected to represent their country. My family and I spent a significant amount of time in front of the television watching our favourite events. We shared the excitement of the athletes receiving gold medals and the disappointment of those just missing out on the bronze medals.
Courage is a fundamental trait that drives athletes to push beyond their limits and achieve greatness. Just as Joshua 1:9 commands, Olympic athletes demonstrate the courage to face fierce competition, to overcome setbacks and to persevere in the pursuit of excellence. (Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”) These athletes take risks, push boundaries and do not give up. The Olympics serve as a platform for showcasing the incredible feats of courage displayed by athletes from around the world, inspiring others to believe in the power of resilience and determination. Courage involves making good choices in the face of fear. It is the quality of being ready and willing to face tricky situations. A close synonym is bravery. It means we do not let fear hold us back from exploring new opportunities, developing our skills, and doing what is right …..
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow”’.
I saw this quote on a poster recently, and it made me realise there are so many different types and ways to be courageous. I am sure every athlete at the Olympics has faced setbacks in their journey, but they chose to try again. We will face setbacks in life, but as we hold on to God’s promises, we can face tomorrow with courage.
Philippians 4:13 says. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Chantel Jordaan
