It would have been so easy to give up.
I cannot imagine the struggle in coming to grips with a promising athletic career being cut-off before it really got going. Sure I would revel in the past, remembering the success that came in those early years before I really understood what was at stake. But to be able to see and comprehend the future that was no more is beyond my abilities.
Events of the past few days testify that not everyone accepts the obvious. A young girl from South Africa is modeling a life that is beyond courageous. Thousands in Manchester cheered and clapped in recognition that her life is an incredible example of what is right in the human spirit.
The facts speak bluntly. First a teenage talent in the pool is looking forward to a promising future. Then a tragic car accident, and the loss of her leg just above the knee, tries to pull everything into darkness. The very reminder of her loss, the pool, provides the vehicle for bringing everything back into light. Now she competes with life itself – winning a place in the finals against all other competitors, with or without handicaps to motivate and drive.
There is much in life begging us to give up and give in.
There are areas that I can raise my voice in lament; yet when I look at those facing imminent death, those struggling to put food on their family’s table, and others taking on life with little or no hope before them, I know that their daily grind defies my comprehension.
Yet God calls us to more. “Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-GOD — that’s where your future lies. Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.” (Proverbs 23.17, 18) God knows because he understands even more than we could ever imagine. He gave up His throne to redeem you and me. God calls us to life and living – and he has already won. No matter how long the odds – stick with God and win, everything.
