Yesterday, another event of global dimension came to an end. The London Paralympics 2012.

I must confess that I have never really taken much interest in the Paralympics as I considered it as a sport event just put together for the disabled people.  I became curious because of the pre-event preparations and organisation. It was as fever-pitch as the actual Olympics and I began wondering what all the furore was all about.



I did not have much time to spend watching the Olympics except a few events which came on while I relaxed after work or over the weekend. However, I had the opportunity to watch a few events of the Paralympics and I realized how wrong I had been about my perception of the event!

I saw people who ordinarily would not have been able to do the things they were doing, push themselves to the limit of their ability. Men with no legs running with improvised ones, women with one arm or none, swimming faster than I could imagine and even those in the wheelchair playing basketball and throwing  3-point baskets with pin point accuracy.

Like many others, I found myself fascinated. I saw countries who did not win one gold during the main Olympics winning gold in the Paralympics due to the dogged determination of their athletes who were bent on winning in spite of their physical limitations.

Now that the Paralympics is over, the question is,  What have I learnt personally from this event?

The main lesson I learnt  from the Paralympics is based on one of my favourite scripture in the Bible, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthens Me’ . (Phillipians 4:13). This scripture has helped me through adverse situations and  when faced with a daunting task or challenge.

Paul the Apostle, writer of the Epistle to the Phillipians was one person who never believed anything was impossible.  He had gone through so many situations and penned the verse mentioned above.

Even when told by the prophet Agabus, “The Holy Spirit says, ‘This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man who owns this belt. Then they will hand him over to people who are not Jewish.” (James 21:11)

What was Paul’s response? “I’m ready not only to be tied up in Jerusalem but also to die there for the sake of the Lord, the one named Jesus.”  (Acts 21:12)

It has been a great learning exercise for me, watching those disabled athletes, who ordinarily would been described as helpless, putting their talent to use and bringing honour to themselves and to their countries.  If these can do exploits in sports,  we can do much more in life as children of the living God!

When next you are faced with those life challenges, remember, you can do all things through Christ!

“..but The people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits” ( Daniel 11:32)

 

Steve Popoola is the editor of Biblepraise Newsletter and the owner of Biblepraise Fellowship Online at http://www.biblepraise.org. He lives in London where he works as an IT professional. He currently serves in the worship team in at  his local church and on occasion, speaks at invited events. He is the Moderator/Editor of Biblepraise Newsletter. He can be reached through His email address, steve@biblepraise.org