Bolting Back from Life’s Hurdles
By Tracy Phua, Singapore
With the World Athletics Championships going on now, South Korea is once again thrust into the global media’s spotlight.
However, no athlete looks to be shining brighter than Usain Bolt, the 25-year-old Jamaican who has captured the eyes of the mass media around the world. Bolt’s journey has been fascinating, even before this year’s World Athletics Championships. He is the current holder of several Olympic records in the sprinting events and was the hot favorite at this year’s event in Daegu, South Korea. However, his journey this year began with a rocky start—he was disqualified after a false start in the 100 meters event. The global media was stunned and Bolt could only humbly accept his punishment.
But Bolt being Bolt, bounced back from his momentary setback and wow-ed the crowd with a 4×100 meters relay world record. By the end of the week-long Championships, he was back on the winner’s podium again.
David’s life was similar. He began as a shepherd, a fearless giant-killer who then went on to be king—and one of the greatest men in the Old Testament. It did not take a theologian to figure out why God referred to David as “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22). However, David was human after all. And he had a weakness. The affair with Bathsheba led to two deaths physically, and also the spiritual death of David’s conscience. It was probably the darkest period of his life. He saw how sinful he was, and also how God’s grace did not cease to be upon him throughout his life.
David repented of his sins. And God forgave him. Soon enough, he was back on track in his relationship with God again.
Looking at the lives of both Usain Bolt and King David, it seems to suggest that there will always be a happy ending. However, that’s not the case. We must learn from our mistakes when we fall, and be quick to repent of them. Only then, will we experience the forgiveness and grace that our Lord is waiting to bestow on us.
What are some lessons you’ve learned from your mistakes? Share with us.
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Accepting our faults is the key- you accept you’ve sinned, you did things wrong, ask God for forgiveness and strength and get back up on your feet.
Asking for forgiveness gives me peace of mind.