The Power of a Worthy Goal
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:14
When Duff Gibson was 10 years old, he set a goal to someday win an Olympic Medal. He began to dabble in ice hockey, but decided he wasn’t good enough at it to make the Olympics. He turned to wrestling, but again realized this wasn’t his sport. He tried rowing and later speed skating at the University of Calgary. While he was fairly good at it, he concluded he could not win the Olympic gold in these events. After trying bobsledding he finally settled on the skeleton at age 33. The skeleton competition is sledding on a sheet of ice downhill at speeds over 80 mph while laying prone on a small sled about the size of a serving tray, head first. Gibson placed 10th in the skeleton at the 2002 winter Olympics. Not to be denied, he worked hard to improve his skill, keeping his eye on the prize of a gold metal. He returned to the winter Olympics 2006 and won the gold! At 39 years old Duff Gibson became the oldest person to ever win a gold medal in the history of the winter Olympics. He was determined to attain his goal: “I’m going to win the gold.” It took him 29 years, and numerous tries, but HE GOT IT!
Oh, for Christians to have that same determination to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” and win an incorruptible crown at the Judgment seat of Christ!