As the world tuned in to watch the world’s most talented athletes compete for the gold – these Christian athletes were determined to use their spotlight for good.
After winning their medals, they were quick to turn the focus off themselves and onto God.
And just wait until you hear the stories of these athletes honoring God publicly for the world to see.
Sydney McLaughlin
The world watched U.S. track win a gold medal AND set a world record in the 400-meter hurdles.
Sydney could have used her win to bring glory to herself or highlight how talented she was to beat out all the other women.
But she didn’t.
Instead, she posted on Instagram to give glory to God, talking in detail about her main desire to follow God and that her greatest gift isn’t a gold medal, but the gift of life in Christ:
“Let me start off by saying, what and honor it is to be able to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God.
What I have in Christ is far greater than what I have or don’t have in life. I pray my journey may be a clear depiction of submission and obedience to God. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it doesn’t seem possible. He will make a way out of no way. Not for my own gratification, but for His glory.
I have never seen God fail in my life. In anyone’s life for that matter. Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart’s desires, does not mean God had failed. His will is PERFECT.
And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.”
What a beautiful way to bring the glory to God!
Sydney has over 1 million followers on Instagram, and even though likely many of them aren’t believers, she was not ashamed to use her own personal page to glorify God.
Tamyra Mensah-Stock
When Tamyra became the first black woman to win a wrestling Olympic gold medal for America – she was overcome with emotion.
With an American flag draped over her shoulder, she spoke about what an honor it is to represent America.
But she didn’t stop there.
She also publicly gave credit to God.
Faithwire reported:
“It’s by the grace of God I’m even able to move my feet. I just leave it in His hands and I pray that all the practice … my coaches put my through pays off and, every single time, it does.”
With so many athletes boasting in their own abilities, it’s refreshing to hear these Olympians praise God for all that they can do!
God puts each of us in a unique position to reach those in our sphere of influence.
It’s true what they say – those who love God WILL talk about Him.
These Olympians could have simply thanked their families and coaches and left it at that – but they decided to honor God.
All of us should follow their example and speak boldly of all that God has done in our own lives to glorify His Holy name.
And let’s also pray that the fruits from the One Million Hours of Prayer event have already started to change lives!
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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