The Olympics is over for another 4 years.
As we followed the Olympics on Japanese TV, sharing the joys, disappointments, triumph and heartbreaks of different Japanese representatives, we also received much encouragements through their fighting spirit and dedication to their sports.
There were many times when we were deeply moved.
There is the softball event, for instance. No matter how many times I saw the reruns on TV, I still got goose bumps.
But the best moment for me was the 4x100m men track event. It might not have been a gold or silver, but it was the best medal of all.
In an event dominated by black people, what chance had an asian team? Even given that US and UK dropped out of the finals, it was hope against hope for Japan.
But watching the anchor runner Asahara overtaking the others to come in 3rd was a miraculous moment. It drew tears to my eyes.
And I thought, yes, we too can make history. All the more so we, with God as our captain.
We can move mountains, run like the wind, mount up on wings like an eagle. Because our God is a God of the impossible.
Our friends and loved ones who seem so far away can know the joy of being God's family. They can be embraced by the same love and grace.
In the final long speech recorded in John, Jesus urges us repeatedly not to forget to ask:
"If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you so that the Father's glory will be shown through the Son. If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it."
(see John chapter14, verses 13, 14; chapter 15, verses 7, 16; chapter 16, verses 23, 24)
Let's be encouraged and keep asking!
Check out these youtube sites to see the special moments!
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http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxg8qGA33HU&NR=1
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxg8qGA33HU&NR=1
