We all have our good times and difficult times. Seeing Jemimah Rodrigues win for India was terrific, especially after she was dropped from the previous World Cup over her dad’s religious stance. It reminds me that God did not drop her!

Surely He knows how to encourage us, stand with those who stand for Him, and—like King David—propel us into the limelight in His time and His way. I’m happy for her family, who rejoice with her after the painful season their daughter has endured.

As she said, “I wanted to win for India!” What matters most is that we win when we pursue our common purpose—coming together and putting aside narrow, selfish interests, parochialism, and bigotry.

When they won under the utmost pressure, with people watching the finale with bated breath, we felt that we won. Our country won. What a lesson in how teamwork wins, especially when there is a common cause and a single agenda that drives everyone forward!

What we do during our tough times is both a choice and a revelation of our intentions. Do we run to God or run away from God? Do we love Him for who He is or for what He gives us?

“God honours those who honour Him” was the verse given to Eric Liddell, an athlete who was a well-known runner. As a man who walked with God, he refused to run an Olympic race that was held on a Sunday because he wanted to worship on the Lord’s Day.

The story says that he won a race the next day, even though it was 400 metres and he had trained for the 100 metres. He did not rest on that accolade but carried on to fulfil His Master’s call to work in His vineyard.

What I will probably remember him for is the humble way he acknowledged his athletic gift: “God made me fast. When I run, I feel His pleasure.” What a beautiful statement that gives credit to the Lord as the giver of our strengths and abilities. In whatever God has called us to do, do we feel His pleasure? Blessings!