Team Time Trial

During this time, the greatest cycle race in the world is on, the Tour De France. What makes this one special is the participation of one of the strongest teams in the world, including one of the most famous cyclist's ever, Lance Armstrong, who is actually taking part in this race as part of his project for cancer. (http://livestrongblog.org/) On the fourth day of the race, it was the team time trial, where teams ride together over a distance in a time trial format. And this was one of those exciting days in cycling, where Team Astana won the race, and put Lance in a position to get very close to the Yellow Jersey (the race leader's jersey). This was very unexpected, as nobody really expected Astana to do this well, but they did, because they were prepared, trained and they were focused on winning. I must say, it looked like they wanted to win with everything in them! At one stage the commentator said that Astana studied the course better than all of the teams participating!

Needless to say, it made me think about the spiritual implication that this has for us. Seeing how the teams worked together, and each and every member of the team did his part, was absolutely awesome! The team leaders kept on motivating the team, and in some teams did the most work in driving the team to the finish. Just read what Paul writes to the Ephesians in:

Ephesians 4:15-16 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (16) For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.

Paul is writing about the leaders in verse 11-14, Who appointed them, and what their role's are, and then he writes about what we were made for- we are God's team! And by His Power in each and every one of us, we can exactly be what He created us to be, and win! This is so wonderful, but we need to know to Who we belong to and what He intended for us- and keep focussing on Christ- because in Him, we have received everything we need just to be that! (2Peter 1:3)

Romans 8:37 "Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us."

The family, with the exception of our oldest son, is on holiday on the East Coast of South Africa, in a town called Port Edward. We are really enjoying this time of rest, but I will keep on writing as the Holy Spirit leads me. Have a wonderful and blessed day, you are His special one!