Success is not measured by the accomplishments you achieve, but by the adversity you overcome. In 2008, Heather Dorinden, a collegiate athlete from the University of Minnesota, was leading the pack during the final heat of the 600 meter race at the Big Ten Indoor Track Championship. With about 200 meters left in the race, Heather tripped and landed flat on her face. The crowd gasped in unbelief and her opponents quickly created a large gap with the odds of losing dramatically increasing. But, instead of giving up, throwing in the towel and accepting defeat, Heather jolted off the ground and began sprinting around the track. Surprisingly, she gained momentum, catching the attention of the audience. As she passed the first runner, the crowd began cheering with hope. She approached the other two runners with the announcer shouting, “Watch out for Heather Dorniden!” During the final 50 meters, Heather hit a gear she did not know she had, bridged the gap, passed her opponents and won by fractions of a second. Success is not measured by the accomplishments you achieve, but by the adversity you overcome. This has many parallels to the Christian life. At some point, you will fall down in your walk with God. It may happen at the beginning, middle or later portion of your life, and how you respond will speak volumes of your relationship with Christ. Jacob’s life began with deception, but ended in adoration. The major lesson from this text is: Faith in God always produces worship of God!
I cycled across America in 30 days and wrote a book about it! Check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Coast-Spiritual-Lessons-Bicycle-Seat/dp/1683147766
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