Sports Devotional 4/13/2000
Updated Feb 01, 2002
April 13
From the Game Plan
Read 1 Corinthians 15:42-58
Point of Emphasis
"Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
Hey, hey -- the 2000 Olympics are on the way.
And for Kevin Asano, judo silver medalist in the 1988 Summer Games, and a follower of Jesus Christ, the Olympics will forever be a reminder of total
victory.
Yep, second place for him was like winning it all.
In fact, when the bell sounded in Kevin's final match, his silver celebration said it all. The Korean competitor who had won fell to the mat, covering his crying eyes. But Kevin, who had been beaten, raised his fists in the familiar victory pose normally reserved for solid-gold accomplishments.
Kevin was celebrating in defeat. Why? Because of a remarkable turn of events in his life that only God could direct. Prior to the Olympics, he had twice retired from judo, only to be drawn back by the persistent direction of the Lord. He barely won the match that allowed him to reach the Games. He beat a man who had always had his number.
But something happened just before Kevin's first match in the Olympics. As he prayed to God, peace and joy swept over him. He showed the joy of the Lord by smiling before and after matches.
When he raised his hands in victory, it was the final act of a man who had simply done his best in God's strength. He had shown ultimate victory.
When you compete, whether it's on an exam or at work or on the field, do you exhibit the joy of the Lord? Kevin was able to do this because he understood that real victory is found in our relationship with Christ.
We have an eternal hope, and nothing here on earth -- stats or games or whatever -- can steal it.
With our victory already won, we can grasp the fullness of the words, "Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord " (1 Corinthians 15:58). -- Tom Felten
Upon Further Review
Is there something wrong with Kevin's way of doing things? Can a world-class athlete, or even one who is seriously seeking victory, have the obvious joy in the middle of defeat?
Can you learn more about yourself in victory or in defeat? What in the way you react to a defeat -- either one suffered individually or to your team -- tells you that you are either living for the Lord or living for something else?
Action Point
Resource: Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges
Athlete of the Day
As a kid, Kevin Asano dreamed of being the first American to win a gold medal in judo. Although he never got the gold, he was not bitter. Instead, he said that "through the rough times I was able to experience God's love and faithfulness to me."
Prayer Strategy
For yourself: Ask God to remind you of the hope He alone can give and ask Him to remind you of that even in times of defeat and disappointment.
For Kevin: Prayer for Kevin's ministry as he uses his platform as an Olympic medalist to influence others for Christ.
Originally published March 29, 2001.
