When asked what he got from the Olympic Trials, Jason Richardson wrestled with the question like Jacob wrestled with an angel of God, who broke Jacob’s hip just to be blessed. Here’s His response.

“Coming into the track meet, I hadn’t had the best season. It was looking like an uphill battle to make the Olympic team, but I knew my God could turn the situation around. I prayed fervently about the outcome of the race, asking God not only to help me make my second Olympic team but also to help me win the race outright. I trained as hard as I could; I fasted; I prayed. I did everything in my power to control the outcome of the hurdle race. The problem was that I kept asking God for what I wanted, but I never paused to ask what He wanted of ME.

I got fifth place in the finals, two spots away from an Olympic berth. Had I not worked hard enough? Had I not prayed hard enough? Was I not faithful enough? During private prayer, I recalled a Scripture passage that best summed up the purpose of my Olympic Trials experience. 1 Peter 1:7 states, “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world” (NLT).

Three simple words: Trials build faith. They can be family, personal, career, or even Olympic trials, but they are all presented to build Christ-like character and deepen our relationships with Him. Our responses and attitudes toward trials are far more important to God than one race, one job promotion, one simple victory. The final goal is to have God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Trials shape us into good servants, and that’s truly what He wants of us all.”

1 Peter 4 – Victorious Suffering

While Christ is our ultimate example, Jason Richardson demonstrated resolve by obeying God’s will amid turbulent times (4:1-3). In chapter 4, Peter emphasizes sharing in Christ’s suffering and resting in the promises to come, grounded in the victory over sin and death on the cross. Jesus was vindicated in death.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete know that Jesus rose triumphant in the Spirit and now reigns eternally as the Son at God’s right hand.

Bible Memory Verse – “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Wrestling With Trials

Our featured book this week is Wolves Can’t Fly (KC Wolf: Faith, Family & Fur) by Dan Meers. Dan Meers has been KC Wolf, the mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs, for over 25 years. In 2006, he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Dan travels throughout the United States and the world entertaining thousands of people both in and out of costume. He is in high demand not only as a mascot but also as a humorous and motivational speaker to audiences of all ages. His enthusiasm, optimism, and love for life are contagious and make Dan an inspiration to all who meet him. His biography will entertain and inspire young and old alike.

Click HERE to review. 

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