Galatians 2:20 (New International Version)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the
Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
When U.S. diver David Boudia looks at the bronze medal he
won July 30 with his teammate Nick McCrory in the men's synchronized 10-meter
platform event, he sees change.
Boudia and McCrory put together six solid dives for a
score of 463.47 points to finish third behind the teams from China (gold) and
Mexico (silver) and ahead of the hometown team from Great Britain.
Boudia, making his second Olympics appearance, said at
this year's Games he has a "totally different mind frame" from what
he did four years ago.
"Going into 2008, I was just excited to be on the
team, and it was deer in the headlights," Boudia said. "I was chasing
after things that are temporary."
But at Purdue University following the Olympics, Boudia's
diving coach Adam Soldati told Boudia about the ultimate fulfillment that comes
in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Boudia became a Christian.
"Going into 2012, I knew the one main goal I had was
to praise God and to love others while doing it," he said.
Soldati said Boudia is a different diver this year than
what he was in Beijing.
"He was holding onto diving like it was going to
satisfy him," Soldati said of Boudia. "Now as a Christian he realized
that's not going to bring ultimate satisfaction, and that just gives you a
peace. We're in a sport of movement where you need to be relaxed, so if you're
at peace, you're probably going to perform better."
Boudia said he has been greatly encouraged by the
messages of support he's received from his home congregation, Faith Church in
Lafayette, Ind.
"I get so many messages, whether it's Facebook or
Twitter or text messages, letting me know that they're praying for me,"
Boudia said. "The coolest ones are that they're not praying for the
victories. They're praying that God's name would be revealed and lifted on
high. Now I have a crazy opportunity. I'm going to be in front of thousands of
media people and I get to speak the name of Jesus and praise Him for what He's
done."
What a great example he is for all of us. Is it your goal
to do everything for God?
Dear Lord we thank you for position that You put us in.
We pray that we would take the opportunity to share Your great love with those
around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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