Letting the Rest Happen

This past June, “Olympics fever” came early to our household as we tuned in to watch many of the U.S. team qualification competitions. While watching the U.S. Swimming Qualifiers, I was taken aback; not by the athleticism, although there was plenty on display, but by an interview that followed a particular race.

Hunter Armstrong, a 23-year-old swimmer from Ohio, was competing in the 100-meter backstroke when the unthinkable happened. The heavy favorite in the race slipped off the blocks as the race began – a mishap that left him in last place coming into the final 50 meters. Despite the setback, Armstrong still managed to finish second and qualify for Paris! 

Armstrong’s performance in the pool was noteworthy – but it was his response to an interviewer’s question afterward that was truly inspiring. When asked what was going through his mind after the slip, he replied, “Truly, it’s all God’s plan. I put my faith in Him and let the rest happen the way it’s supposed to.” Armstrong had the look of someone awestruck and at peace with the bigger picture of his life as a child of God^[1].

I must confess that I often feel ambivalent about showy displays of God-directed thanksgiving from athletes and celebrities, but there was such sincerity in his reaction that I had a sense there was something deeper there than just a cliché nod to the Almighty. This hunch was confirmed when I did a bit more research on Armstrong. In the preceding year, Armstrong struggled with depression after his mentor and coach left for another university, he experienced the death of a close family member and his longtime girlfriend ended their relationship.

Against the backdrop of setback after setback, Armstrong slipped off the blocks yet again – quite literally this time. Yet, his trusting relationship with God gave him not only the confidence to work hard to accomplish his goals but, most importantly, the wisdom to know that his goals may not always be in God’s plan. Months later, I still ponder how differently that interview might have sounded had Armstrong come up short and not made that incredible comeback. Based on his response, I think we would have heard from a disappointed athlete who was at peace because his identity as a redeemed child of God takes precedence over his identity as an Olympic-level swimmer.

So, when we also “slip off the blocks,” let us remember that we have a Savior who beckons us to cling to His promises and find rest in the blessed assurance that our loving and merciful God is in control.

A Prayer:

Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure. Amen.

“The Book of Common Prayer,” page 234

[1] Watch full race here: https://bit.ly/SMECDW1 (interview starts at 2:58)