FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Justin Gatlin won the 100m final at the World Athletics instead of Usain Bolt, and the crowds booed him.

Why? Because he had previously been banned from participation due to drug related offences. Now he's given up that way of life and worked hard to achieve this feat. Yet, even the world Body was disappointed that 'a drug cheat' won the championship.

That got me thinking about how unforgiving the world is, and how so different our Heavenly Father is. David, an adulterer and murderer understood this when he said 'if You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?' (Psalm 130:3).

Gatlin admitted that he had done wrong in the past and had amended his ways. Yet, the world is not happy for him to be given another chance.

This tells me that we need to appreciate our Heavenly Father this morning in a special way, for His capacity to love and to forgive us.

Yet, there's so much we can glean from this story:

1. It is often said that 'the reputation of a thousand years can be destroyed by one little act of foolishness'. Let's all be careful and tread cautiously as we journey through life.

2. It doesn't matter how low you might have fallen, you can always rise up again. Don't let the world keep you down. Proverbs 24: 16 says 'a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again'.

3. Justin Gatlin achieved this feat at age 35, beating both Bolt and Coleman, both of whom were younger and either of them had been predicted to win. Unfortunately neither of them won the gold, but the underdog, the older one. Don't let your age deter you from achieving your goals or from fulfilling your life's ambition. You can always achieve anything you set your mind to achieve if only you're willing to give it all it takes. Gatlin trained hard for months because he had an ambition to fulfil.

4. No condition in this world is permanent. No one ever imagined that Usain Bolt would come third. He had expected to finish his last men's single in grand style, but it wasn't meant to be. That is why we can never boast about anything, for no one knows what a day might bring.

5. We can also learn the lesson of humility and grace from Justin Gatlin, who after he had won the race, still felt the need to bow before the world's hero. It was as though he recognised that fortune had been on his side, and he still wanted to honour and appreciate the man who had inspired him so much. When you rise to the position at the top, whether it's in your job or profession, do not forget those who helped you to get there.

God is always speaking to us daily about things happening around us. Let's be attentive to hear His voice today.

Good morning Steemians, have a Blessed Sunday!