1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Suzie Brock writes whilst speaking at Soul Survivor, seeing many young people having their 'torches' lit for the first time!

Suzie Brock

'You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally.' 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

What a privilege and joy to be in the Olympic host country this year as the games took place, and although we were unable to make it to any actual events, the excitement and exuberance of the British people was absolutely tangible.

What we were able to do was as, if not more, exciting than the whole of the Olympics and just as tangible.

As I write this, we are currently involved in a youth festival happening called Soul Survivor; an event that takes place every year and has done for the last 20! It involves thousands of youth. Here the Truth is carried much like the Olympic torch from one heart to another, igniting souls and changing lives.

Kids come here for a variety of reasons; some know Jesus and already carry that torch and with that flame of truth burning in their hearts they have passed it on to others who also come along. Some come carrying nothing; no hope, no truth, no vision of winning or of even participating. They wander in like potential athletes without a call, not knowing who they are or where they are going. For whatever reason, they have found themselves in an 'Olympic Village' of sorts. All around them are those participating in the great event, all around them are athletes running and involved with whole hearts and surrounded by cheering fans. It's exhilarating, but it's more than a temporal experience; the races are more than minutes or hours; they are life races, running to the end and running to win. The goal in this venue is not just to cheer on a few Olympians; a few chosen gifted individuals who seem to be more capable than others, but rather that each and every one would join in. That all would have their torch ignited and enter the race to win.

It was wonderful to watch the faces of the Olympians this year as they won their medals; to see the tears of emotion as they received their rewards. It's been even more wonderful here to watch the faces of those who suddenly find their 'torch' lit; the moment when the truth of Jesus Christ, born, crucified and risen again all for their sakes becomes evident to them. It is then they are welcomed into the race and the prize is not a carrot at the end of a stick, but a real and obtainable Medal. Finding relationship, acceptance and love from God and His Son Jesus is a prize that will forever change a heart.

To enter the race requires dedication, discipline and sacrifice...but the coach is full time and he has paid the price for your win and mine.