Have you heard Wilma Rudolph’s story?
She was the 20th of 22 children. She spent much of her childhood in bed with a variety of illnesses. At age six she contracted polio, lost the use of her left leg, was fitted with metal leg braces, and was told she would never walk.
Determined to be “normal,” she worked hard to get rid of the braces. She became a star basketball player and caught the eye of Tennessee State track coach Ed Temple. He wanted to turn Rudolph into a sprinter.
He got his wish at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Rudolph became the first woman to win three gold medals, all in sprinting, in one Olympics.
Don’t you love a story like Wilma’s? Against all odds, fighting through limitations to accomplish great things no one would anticipate. I have received some feedback about my devotion about the “underdog” a few months back. We cherish such stories.
For Christians, perhaps there is a reason we appreciate these kinds of stories. It’s God’s style. The beginning of 1 Corinthians displays a meaningful display of God’s style in utilizing the unexpected to accomplish great things. As you read through these verses at the close of chapter 1, please take note of God’s style, and the result for us who trust in Him:
“But God chose foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
My prayer, dear sister—dear brother in the faith, is these two points make an impact in your heart:
1) Through God’s plan, you are in Christ Jesus, that is, you have faith in the only Savior from sin. Jesus has become for you and for me “our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” The perfection God demands to enter heaven, he has given to you and me through faith in Jesus Christ. You are right with God. You are holy in God’s sight not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done in your place. You are redeemed—bought back from the only true God who loved you before he created this world.
2) Through God’s plan, you have a vital race to run. Like Wilma Rudolph, we could easily become identified with our limitations. Who of us has not felt insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Isn’t it easy to listen to worldly or devilish suggestions that our worth is low, our lives mean little, our offerings meager? Please don’t allow your limitations to define you. Through our weaknesses, God’s strength is displayed.
Your one-person role in God’s master plan is important. Your words matter. Your acts of love toward God and toward your fellow-runners in this marathon of life—these acts of love mean something. You are involved in the lives of others who stumble, trip, and fall on the hurdles we strive to clear in life. You are the one who can give comfort, understanding and forgiveness for sore knees and hands that hang limp with discouragement.
So with God’s strength and direction, you are able to run your race as it has been drawn out for you as you give glory to the Loving Lord who made you and set you into the race of life you are now running. God bless your race. I’m glad to be running with you.
Prayer idea: Pray for fellow “runners” who are experiencing challenges to their faith. Pray for the challenges you are facing in your faith life right now. Pray for God’s strength and help as you strive to honor God with your words, choices, and actions.
Blessings on your day!
--Pastor Dan
Feel free to browse the archived devotions on this page.
If you have any ideas, suggestions,
or feedback, please e-mail me:
peaceinjesus@clearwire.net
or
pastor@peaceinjesus4vietnamese.org