What are the odds of qualifying for the Olympics?

The odds right now for a swimmer below the age of 18 to qualify for the American team is staggeringly low.  For any "new" swimmer to qualify for a coveted spot on the Olympic team is a daunting task because of the success of those competing who are Olympic veterans. The one thing that has struck me is the amazing humility these Olympic hopefuls show when they reach their life long goal.  My sister pointed this out especially in the women swimmers.  They truly are shocked and humbled when their times are posted and their names called. I can't imagine the hours and hours of training, the endurance, but also the hope; the encouragement from family, friends, teammates to keep on keeping on!

In Paul's letter to the Colossians, I find great comfort in this pep talk.  "It is our Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." (Col. 1:12)  Thanks be to God that we don't have to attempt to qualify for heaven on our own accord.  Talk about being humbled!  Our training involves living a life bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.  Is this easy, not at all!  There are going to be days when we fall short, but we trust in His strength and power and glorious might  to run this race (or swim this race) with endurance and patience all the while giving joyous thanks to our Father.  Through faith in Jesus Christ we have already qualified for heaven.  After an athlete qualifies for the Olympics, it doesn't mean he quits.  He continues to work hard maybe even harder than before; honing skills that will give him that hundredth of a second advantage.  As Christians we do the same, continually striving to bear good fruit and growing stronger in our spiritual wisdom and understanding, living joyfully giving thanks to the Father.