Facing Your Giants Part Two

Vanderlei di Lima is just a little guy.  He stands 5’3” and weighs 119 pounds soaking wet.  This means he is about the same size as an average sixth grader.  Despite his small stature, di Lima is special because he has heart.  Miles and miles of heart. 

In the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, de Lima was leading the marathon by about 60 yards with less than two miles to go.  The finish line was in sight, and the diminutive Brazilian was primed for the final charge.  All he had to do to win the Olympic marathon was to maintain his pace.   Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, a deranged guy from the crowd hurled himself from the sidelines directly into the slightly built lead runner, knocking him to the ground. 

Stunned, he lay there for a brief moment, but it was enough to allow a few other runners to pass him by.  Hurting and shaken, de Lima collected himself and resumed the race.  He had lost his rhythm and with it, his lead position, but he never lost his enthusiasm. 

Entering the old marble Olympic Stadium with the exuberance of a child, he punched the air with his fists and ran around the track with both arms extended like a human airplane looking for a place to land.  Even though he had been knocked back into third place, he explained his excitement by saying, “Most athletes never experience such a unique and festive moment.  Running into the stadium to receive the cheers from my countrymen was enough.  The bronze medal simply adds to my joy.”

Life is full of people and events thrown at us, trying to knock us off course.  Unexpected disasters trip us and make it difficult to find our rhythm again.  When misfortune strikes, it can be very difficult to regain our sense of balance. 

Sometimes it is easier to give in to the intimidating issues that overwhelm us than it is to take countermeasures that lead to victory.  That is the victim’s mentality.  The good news is we don’t have to fight our battles alone.  God picks us up and helps us “Press on, toward the goal, to win the prize for which He has called us heavenward.” (Philippians 3:14)   

Don’t let the bumps and bruises you garner from getting knocked down in life rob you of living successfully.  Scripture says, “He gives strength to the weary and He increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).   

My prayer this week is for all of us who have been knocked down lately.  I pray for each of you to find the wherewithal to get up and resume the race.  If you can manage that, you will hear the cheers of all the saints who have gone before you.   

With love,

Pastor Mike Howard