Falling Down . . . And Getting Back Up
In case you haven’t noticed, the Winter Olympics will be getting underway this weekend. There’s a great deal of pageantry, competition in many sports most of us know virtually nothing about, and mind-numbing analysis of anything and everything. I read an interesting article last week about two figure skaters – Scott Hamilton, a gold medalist in 1984, and Karen Chen, a member of this year’s U.S. team that included some interesting thoughts. As they spoke of the upcoming competition, Hamilton advised the young woman, “Think of it as an opportunity instead of an obligation.”
More interesting to me were their stories of personal growth and courage, as they were shy and uncertain children, who then found skating to be a confidence builder. Finding a perfect fit for their natural abilities and enthusiasm, they’ve succeeded in competitions at the highest levels. I especially appreciated Scott Hamilton’s comment that he estimates he fell down 41,600 times in his career – and got up 41,600 times! “That made me understand the process of facing a challenge,” he said. One would think that doing something – anything! – 41,600 times would lead to some form of understanding. His expression of this life lesson is very well phrased – straightforward and yet eloquent.
God’s people have needed strength and courage to face challenges over the millennia. They may not have been especially talented or knowledgeable, or even equipped with the personal qualities needed for the situation. However, the assurance, encouragement and faithfulness of God’s support and protection are consistently expressed throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, we are told of how Joshua (Moses’ chosen successor) was preparing to lead the people of Israel into their new homeland. There was conflict and danger ahead, and God instructed Joshua, “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Throughout the Psalms, the writer reminds us that God is our place of refuge, safety and protection. “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24) The Lutheran Study Bible tells us that the expression “to wait for the Lord” means to maintain hope that God’s deliverance will arrive, and also refrain from going one’s own way.
As Timothy was struggling in establishing new churches, the Apostle Paul wrote, “I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you . . . for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6,7)
Simply living our lives, there are occasions when we feel we’ve fallen or been knocked down and aren’t at all sure that we can get up. We all experience loss, disappointment, tragedy, and conflict. We may wonder where God is at these times, but then friends and family members offer helping hands and words of encouragement, and we realize we aren’t alone. They bring us God’s spirit of power, love and courage, making it possible for us to get up and keep going.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers