Great Britain’s Adam Peaty, missed a gold medal in Paris by 0.02 seconds, but his tears were of victory, not defeat.
Following the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the 100-meter breaststroke world record holder fell into a dark struggle with depression and alcoholism for almost three years. But through the counsel of Pastor Ashley Mull, chaplain to Great Britain’s Olympic team, and the nurture of the Nottingham church where Adam is now a member, he realized the answers he sought couldn’t be found in society. Only in Jesus.
When Adam gave his life to Christ, his heart and life radically changed, as God rescued him from out of that deep darkness. Now, he bears a cross and the words “Into the Light” tattooed on his chest, a visual testimony to the watching world of his spiritual rebirth and the difference Christ’s love can make in a life. (Premier Christian News, April 3 and July 29)
Lord, thank You for Adam’s salvation and for the faithful witness of Pastor Mull and the believers in Nottingham church. Thank You for the way You rescued Adam’s life from out of depression and alcoholism. We ask You, Lord, to save many more. Use Adam, Pastor Mull and others to lead many athletes and other lost people into Your Kingdom. For You alone can save a life. Only in You is there hope and peace. Only in the power of Your love do we truly overcome. Rebuild Adam’s strength and heal him completely from the Covid he tested positive for in this competition. Please be a Shield around every Christian athlete in the Olympics and protect them from sickness and harm. Heal any wounds, strains or other impairments. Empower them with endurance and strength to run the race not just in this competition, but in every area of life. Fix their their eyes on You as their Prize. Hebrews 12:1-3. Give them boldness and Your Spirit’s empowering to share with the lost around them. Shine through their good sportsmanship, kindness toward opponents, endurance, strength and ability; for You have promised we can do “all things through Christ who strengthens” them. Whenever they are interviewed by the press or otherwise on camera, let the whole world see the difference You make in their lives. Move reporters to ask them questions that will open the door for them to testify of Your goodness and salvation. Shine Your love, peace and joy through them in such powerful ways everyone who sees them will be drawn to Your Light in them, and hunger to know You. Bring to them athletes from Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Communist countries where the gospel is not allowed to be preached, and open up the doors for them to share Your good news in a way they can easily understand. Even where speaking with each other during competitions is not allowed or encouraged, make a way for friendships to start that can continue even beyond the Olympics. Raise up from among Christian athletes those who will feel Your call to share the good news in other nations, carrying Your “torch” and setting hearts afire with Your love. Yes, Lord, awaken every nation to Your truth and salvation.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who served the Lord many years among an unreached people group in a nation where missionaries are not allowed and Christians are persecuted. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by shopping at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:
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