Platforms.
Screams and shouts have burst through our windows a few too many times the past two weeks as the Olympic games have had us on the edge of our seats, cheering on the USA. Way too many late nights have occurred as our daughter reminded me, “Mom, this only happens every 4 years!”
One of our favorite athletes to watch is Sydney McLaughlin, who blew past the competition in the 400m hurdle final, breaking yet another world record. I couldn’t help but tear up myself, as she raised her arms in victory. In a post-race interview, this is what she said:
I have a platform and I want to use it to glorify Him, and so whenever I step on the track, it’s always the prayer of ‘God let me be the vessel in which you’re glorified’ whatever the result is, how I conduct myself, how I carry myself, not just how I perform.
What platform has God given you? Believe it or not, as Christians, we ALL have one. I often thought I didn’t. I thought it has to be this HUGE thing. But 2 Corinthians 5:20 states that “we are Christ’s ambassadors”, which in a way, is like having a platform for God. We are ALL representatives of God, implored to go out and proclaim that He is the way, in whatever avenue He gives us.
Sydney’s platform happens to be in front of the world on the track. But don’t discredit the platform God has given you, for just a few people. EACH is just as important. A bigger platform doesn’t mean more success and more influence. Whatever platform God has given you, is just as He intended it to be. It’s what we do with the platform that makes all the difference.
God has given you the power to do what He has called you to do. He has! And so when He gives you opportunities, do them! God may not have made you a world-class runner, but He has given you unique gifts, talents, ideals, and experiences that are JUST as important. If we don’t use them, how can we be ambassadors? So, how are you going to use those gifts and talents for His Kingdom? May we all pray, “God let me be the vessel in which you’re glorified”. No matter what he allows to come our way. To GOD be the glory.
