When I like something, I don’t just like it, I’m obsessed with it…the Olympic Games happen to be one of those things. With Team USA bringing home medal after medal (can I get a hallelujah?) and my denial that the games are ending, I’m reminded of something that I want to share with you:
Of all the gold medals won at the Olympics, you are worth more.
“So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 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…” -1 Peter 1:7
“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” -1 Peter 1:18-19
One thing I catch myself thinking as I sit on the edge of my seat watching every game that involves a medal is that I wish that could be me. I think about how I would give almost anything to be talented enough, strong enough, fast enough, or tough enough to win a gold medal for my country. And it’s in those moments I am reminded that God has other plans for me life. God’s plan for my life does not include an Olympic medal, but the plan he has placed before me is uniquely mine.
The same goes for you. God has laid a one-of-a-kind plan out for your life. I repeat: God has created a plan specifically for you. It is a plan laid out step by step by the hands of a loving and all-powerful God with you in mind. It’s a path that only you are destined to walk. Your life may not include a medal, but that’s okay because you have been especially created in the image of the perfect God to follow a path that not even Michael Phelps could walk, because it is only yours.
And while I am relating this specifically to the Olympics because I am 100% obsessed, that moment of looking at someone and wanting what they have because it seems like God gave them a better life relates to almost anything.
The girl you see with the seemingly perfect boyfriend/husband with the cutest kids and the supermodel body.
The guy you see that has your dream job and dream girl.
The neighbor you see with the fancy house and brand-new cars.
The family you pass with 5 kids when you are only praying for one.
The relationship that is perfect by Instagram standards.
The friend who has traveled to more than 25 different countries.
The co-worker who just got the big promotion.
The believer who seems closer to God than you think you could ever be…
There will always be a life you look at and see as better than your own. But here’s what we need to remember: We have been created in the image of the perfect God who makes no mistake. Our Creator has molded every piece of you to fit the path that only you can live out because he loves and cares for you so deeply. God’s plan for your life is perfect for you because he made it with you, the one who is more precious to him than all the gold in the world, in mind.
“What is the price of five sparrows–two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” -Luke 12:6-7
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.” -Luke 12:27-28
The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” -Psalm 32:8