Olympic Size Dreams

Richards-Ross running her race 2012 Olympics Creative Commons

There is a young girl, sitting alone beside a track. She holds a mobile device and on it she watches American runner Sanya Richards-Ross as she wins the 400 meter finals at the 2012 Olympics. Inspired she stands up. Determination in her face, she bends over to write with her finger in the sand of the long jump “49:55”, which is Richards-Ross’ time.

Then she turns, and begins chasing her own dream of Olympic glory around the track. Training to make Rio in 2016 and beat the new standard of 49:55. This inspirational story was actually a commercial I saw while watching the Olympics last night.

What is it about this commercial that had me moved to tears and my spirit leaping inside of me?

Recognition.

I recognized determination. I recognized drive. I recognized hunger.

This commercial reeks of purpose and smacks with calling. You can almost hear the young girl say "I was made to beat this. I was born for more. I was designed for greatness. I will win my race."

We each have a dream. A purpose in life we strive for above all else. That thing we were made for, designed by God for, and cannot be happy without because it is in the very fiber of our being. Those gifting or talents that make us strive to be better, to be more.

For you it may be athletics, or singing. For someone else it could be film making, writing, or designing clothes. Maybe you feel called to build churches around the world, or to work with young people.

No matter what you are called to do remember this:

Philippians 2:13 (CEB) God is the one who enables you both to want and to actually live out his good purposes. (read it in context)

He is the one who made you with this hunger, this drive, these heart’s desires. When we put Him first- above all- then nothing is impossible. He is in the dream making business. His dream is to draw all men back to Him. He gives us dreams to make His dream happen.

Do not doubt that you are important. What you have been “assigned” to do is important. Your life, your dream, is yours for a reason. Now go out and chase that dream. Press toward that mark. Run your race. Keep your eyes on the prize!

Do you have a favorite commercial or Olympic moment? Share it in the comments below.