The Thrill of Victory...

Remember Wide World of Sports?

If you do, then you know how Jim McKay introduced the show each week: Spanning the globe to bring you the constant variety in sport...the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat...

If you've been watching the Olympics at all, you've already seen plenty of examples of thrilling victories - along with just as many (if not more) heartbreaking disappointments. Team USA's Jordyn Wieber is interesting in that her story gives us a glimpse of both ends of the spectrum. (It also brought to mind the wonderful passage from Scripture pictured above.)

Winner of all-around titles this year at the American Cup, Pacific Rim Championships, and the Nationals, she had her sights on going for gold in the individual finals at the London Games. Her hopes were dashed, however, when she failed to qualify at the preliminaries a few days ago. (Two teammates scored higher than she; with only two available slots, Jordyn found herself the proverbial odd-woman out).

This turn of events underscores the depth of talent on the U.S. women's team; still, it was unexpected and devastating for Wieber when she saw the scores. You know what happened next. Jordyn shook off the disappointment and rose to the occasion in the team competition last night; she and her teammates walked away with gold medals.

From the depths of despair to exhilaration...and all in just a few days. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Whether it's the agony of defeat or the thrill of victory...He walks with us. And especially when it's the former, we can count on His strength to help us get through whatever challenges, disappointments, or struggles we may be facing.

It's not a guarantee that despair will turn to exhilaration. All problems won't necessarily be solved. But with Christ, we'll have the strength necessary to pilot the ship through the storm. Now there's an Olympic story!