Many of us have enjoyed watching the Olympics, myself included. I’m awed by such strength, talent, speed. But my admiration is heightened because I know how many hours–years–worth of diligent and focused training is behind each gold. Today my sweet friend and host of Living Joyfully Free, Lisa Buffaloe, encourages us to view our faith with the same focus.

Taking on the World

By Lisa Buffaloe

I love watching the Olympics. I’m so amazed at those who train and prepare their bodies to be the absolute best. During the Winter Olympics a television announcer commented that one particular Olympic athlete thrived on pressure. What if we had the same attitude when life gets difficult? 

I started wondering how fun it would be to think of life as the Olympics. Just think, we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” rooting for us, holding up signs cheering us on. We could live each day as though it’s a grand adventure, and hardship and trials, are merely methods for refinement and growth. 

And at the end, for those who call Jesus Savior, there is always a prize – life everlasting, joy forever, and peace in God’s presence.

After the Olympic competition the athlete was asked what was next in his life. His reply, “I don’t know. Sleep, and then take on the world.”

Sounds like a great plan. Woo hoo! Let’s get some rest, rise up, and with Jesus take on the world!

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” Hebrews 12:1 

Think of life as an Olympic event with a great cloud of witnesses, the angels, and friends and family who have gone before you, cheering you forward and Jesus by your side. What ways do your challenges take on a different light?

Prodigal Nights, (a 2011 Women of Faith writing contest finalist):

For two returning prodigals

will the challenge to live “good” withstand the allure to be bad?

 

After a nasty divorce, Bethany Davis returned to college and lived up to the low standards set by gossips. Her dad’s stroke has now brought her home, and Bethany finds herself in a dilemma—how can she get beyond her past, learn to trust again, and live a “good” life?

Bethany’s father’s involvement in the defense industry adds excitement to her expectation of a boring life back home. However, bodyguards, stalkers, and international secrets are the least of her problems—opening her heart to trust again is a totally different matter. And the mutual attraction with her new team leader, Jason Ross, spells the possibility of big-time heart trouble.

Jason’s days of wild living are over, and he’s determined to prove to himself and God that he’s on the right path. When Bethany steps into his office, he sees the girl of his dreams, but is she God’s gift or Satan’s temptress?

Buy it here!

Lisa Buffaloe is an author, speaker, happily-married mom, and host for Living Joyfully Free Radio. Her past experiences—molestation by a baby-sitter, assault, rape by a doctor, divorce, being stalked, cancer, death of loved ones, seven surgeries, and eleven years of chronic illness from Lyme Disease—bless her with a backdrop to share about God’s unending love and that through Him we find healing, restoration, and renewal. She is the author of Grace for the Char-Baked and a contributing author of The One Year Book of Joy and Laughter.

Visit her online:

www.LisaBuffaloe.com