Are You Running Ahead of God?

Psalm 32:8 (New American Standard Bible)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;

I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

With wings on her feet and Christ in her heart, Francena McCorory is ready for the 2012 Olympics in London.

The 23-year-old graduate of Hampton University will compete in the 400-meter dash and the 4 x 400-meter relay.

The 400-meter is a grueling race, a near all-out sprint one lap around the track.

"It's a tough race, but if you have faith in God and faith in yourself and just faith in your training and what you've been working towards, it can be fun "It's all about your mindset."

McCorory is definitely focused. She currently holds the American indoor 400-meter record.

She puts in the work on the track and in the weight room. That training paid off in June, when she placed third at the U.S. Olympic trials to earn a spot on Team U.S.A.

"It was just great to see my dream unfold before my eyes," she recalled.

McCorory already has one gold medal on her resume. She anchored Team U.S.A. to victory in the 4 x 400-meter relay at the 2011 World Championships in South Korea.

"I can't even describe the feeling. Last year, at World Championships I got the opportunity, and it was so much emotion," McCorory said. "At first I thought, 'I'm just going to stand up here and get a medal,' but you just feel so proud to see them raise your flag the highest."

Still, there's something special about an Olympic gold medal. She said hearing the U.S. national anthem at the London Olympics would be a dream come true.

But ultimately, McCorory wants to win for Jesus Christ.

"I tell my friends and family all the time, 'Jesus is the one who gave me this ability,'" the young athlete explained.

"I can't get out here and run on the track by myself. It's all Him," she said. "He blessed me with this talent, and I just want to use it to glorify Him."

McCorory added that no matter how fast she runs, it's important to not get ahead of God. She said she makes sure He is leading the way on and off the track.

Dear Lord we thank You for the talents that You give each of us. We pray that we will give you the credit. Help us to not go in front of You but let You lead us all the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.