Bitter or Better

Daniel Dias was born with malformed upper and lower limbs.  Although challenged much more than other boys, his biggest problem growing up seemed to be that he kept breaking his prostheses during the soccer games he loved to play.

In 2004, at the age of 16, he watched Brazilliam Clodoaldo Silva on TV set four world records and win six gold medals as well as one silver in the Paralympic Games.  That day a dream was born and he began to take swimming lessons, becoming proficient in eight lessons.

Two years later he entered his first international competition, winning five medals.  In 2008, he competed in the Summer Paralymics in Beijing and won a total of nine medals. including four gold, more than any other athlete at the Games.  He went on to win six more gold medals in the 2012 Summer Games in London.

Here's the deal: When facing adversity, difficulty or disadvantage; we can become bitter or better.  The choice will determine whether we become a victor or a victim.  The apostle, who faced tremendous persecutions, challenges and setbacks; refusing to accept victim status, proclaimed "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).

Paul wasn't saying he was a spiritual superman that could leap over tall jail cells, stop a hurled stone or run faster than a speeding camel; he was saying that no difficulty would take away his Christian joy or his determination to win the victor's crown - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (vv.  4, 6)

Like the apostle Paul, Daniel Dias embraced his challenges rather than complain about them, he achieved contentment instead of contempt and roared through life instead of whimpering or whining. As Christians, we can become "...more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom 8:37).  Or we can become conquered.  What do you choose?  Jus' Ask'n.