Read Time: 4 min 36 sec | Reading Level: 7th Grade

SPORTS

Trophies and Torches

School’s out, but sports are in full swing.

On Monday night, the Florida Panthers won their first-ever National Hockey League championship. The Edmonton Oilers had all the momentum following three consecutive wins, but the Panthers clawed their way to victory 2-1 in the seventh game. Their prize is the coveted Stanley Cup (the trophy, not the tumbler).

The Games that the world is waiting on—the 2024 Summer Olympics—are still to come. Before the torch is lit in Paris, Americans are racing (and leaping) through the Olympic trials for a chance to make Team USA.

Last week, record-breaking crowds swarmed Indianapolis for swim trials. Backstroker Ryan Murphy, freestyle legend Katie Ledecky, and veteran Caeleb Dressel sped onto America's roster.

On the track, trials continue this week. Athing Mu won't get the chance to defend her 800m gold medal after a devastating fall during her race. Anna Hall won the heptathlon (that's seven events over two days) and a spot on the team.

From July 26 to August 11, Paris will host millions of spectators and 10,500 athletes across 32 sports. Billions of fans will watch the 350,000 hours of TV broadcast. Sports fans, get excited!

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Even something that’s “just a game” takes on deeper significance for believers. We can enjoy the thrill of watching athletes who have trained tirelessly do what God made them to do. As you watch athletes compete, thank God that he also made you to do beautiful things, and pray that you’d bring him glory. 

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” 
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB) (read full passage)

What gospel lesson can be taught through this story?
This summer, we’ll see some really fun celebrations.

Olympians will take to the podium, receive their medals, and maybe tear up a little as they bask in the moment. That joy is just a little taste of the victory celebration to come for believers.

Gold medals will tarnish, and athletes’ joy will fade. Like Athing, we may win one race and fall down in the next. But Christians who run the race with Jesus look forward to an “imperishable crown” and unending joy in the presence of our Creator, Coach, and Savior (1 Corinthians 9:25). While our training may be grueling, it’ll all be worth it when we cross the finish line.

How can I model putting my hope and trust in Christ when discussing this story?
For every winner in sports, there are lots of losers. 

This side of eternity, we may not win the trophy. We may work hard and come up short. But Christians don’t put our hope in medals or accomplishments. In fact, we welcome weakness and even loss as an opportunity to see God’s strength at work in our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Even if we face loss after loss as we walk with Jesus, we can rejoice as we look forward to the prize that’s coming.

• Act out a medal ceremony, discussing why God will give Christians crowns and what the victory party will be like.

• Memorize James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (CSB).

• Pray for Christians on the world stage at the Olympics to bring glory to their Creator, whether winning or losing, and pray that your family can radiate hope and joy no matter your circumstances.

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