The Messenger - February 17, 2010 Perseverance

Pastor's Corner

"Perseverance"

"Forgetting what lies behind, and straining toward what lies ahead, ,
I press on toward the goal to win the prize
for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

(Philippians 3:14)

Have you heard about Shen Xue and Zhau Honbo of China, who recently set new world records in Olympic pair skating? I recently learned that Zhau and Shen have been skating together for almost 20 years (since 1992). It took several years of work to qualify for their first Olympics in 1998. There, they finished 5th. After refining their craft during the next 4 years, they finished 3rd at the Salt Lake City Olympics--even though they missed a crucial throw that dropped their score. Later, this type of throw also damaged Shen's ankle, and had to numb her foot completely in order to compete. Undaunted by this mishap, they worked 4 years more to earn a second bronze at the Winter Olympic Games in Turin. That win was almost miraculous, since Zhao had ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2005 and missed a full year of practice. Thus, they decided to retire and marry one another. But neither Shen nor Zhau could quite let go of their "golden" Olympic dream. Thus, they "unretired" in 2009, and qualified just in time for this winter's games. 18 years of effort was finally rewarded with Olympic gold this very week.

Looking at this final contest, several people marveled at the artistry and coordination of this couple. I marvel at their perseverance. I can see working 5 or 10 years to win a contest. And, in rare cases, I might give up 15 years for such a goal. But the severe injuries and hard falls that Shen and Zhau encountered made their goal almost surreal. Given the terrific cost, I suspect most of their friends and family said "just give up!" No one says that now.

The story of Shen and Zhau challenges each of us to reconsider how much effort is "enough."

How long should you try to be a better person? How long should you try to break a bad habit? How long should you help a loved one who is struggling? How long should you try to fulfill God's call?

Each of these goals is difficult, and it's so easy to give up. Usually, no one blames us if we do. But Shen and Zhau show us that there is another way: Much like the apostle Paul, they "forgot" their long history of near-misses and great pain in order to gain their life-long goal. Perhaps God is calling you to do the same.

Have a blessed week!