On the 30th of July, 2021, Tatjana Schoenmaker broke the world record for the fastest 200m breaststroke. A photographer captured the moment she realised what she had just accomplished; the look of shock and joy combined into one as she burst into tears. Years of hard work, sacrifice, discipline and training had been worth it. She had won, finishing the race in a swift moment of fame and glory.
In the moment, those 2 minutes and 18 seconds of Tatjana’s life must have been tiring, painful and draining. Yet the outcome of those 2 minutes and 18 seconds made it far worth it. That single snapshot sums up a lifetime of longing, of wanting something so much that every moment of pain and discomfort made it so worth it.
Humanity longs to celebrate stories like this. And in an age where everyone is a winner, these moments are rare. Perseverance is no longer celebrated. People pull out too quickly the moment life becomes slightly uncomfortable or difficult. We are constantly seeking a quick fix to numb the pain, dull the discomfort, and erase the bad feelings. Life has become soft-seeking, running and turning away from anything that does not meet up to the universal standard of comfort and convenience.
I love this picture of Tatjana because it is such a good sample of what life is like for every Christian. There really are some dark moments in life; moments filled with pain and suffering and mourning. Yet, in all these moments the final goal is worth it. There may be moments when the discipline and sanctification feel useless and when the daily grind of putting sin to death again and again never seems to find an end.
The most beautiful thing about this journey is that we face something far greater than breaking a world record, winning a medal, or even receiving a crown. Rather, the greatest joy, the greatest prize, in finishing this race is the reality of seeing Christ’s face. And if someone were to snap a photograph of that moment, one would see our look of shock, joy, and sheer wonder.
Shock, because Christ will be so much more glorious, wonderful and beautiful than what we could ever have imagined. Joy, because here our longing finally meets its end. And wonder, that we, a sinful and fallen people, have been granted the grace to stand in the presence of such a glorious Saviour.
In this moment, we will wish we had given more effort, more time, more emotion, more resources to live for this Saviour. We will be stunned that we had loved Him so halfheartedly, that we were so easily taken up with trivial things, that we were so quick to give up in the midst of discomfort, and that we so freely grumbled in the presence of Christ’s majestic power and grace. In the sheer radiance of this glorious Man, we will be astonished that this is our true Prize for all eternity.
Therefore, let us persevere with strength and determination to complete this race. Let us seek to love Christ even more, running with feet set firmly on their course. Let us keep our eyes on Him who is before us, even in the face of the darkest, most painful trials and in the roughest seas of grief. We do not look back, but run until we have reached the end. And may we reach it faithfully, and in a manner worthy of the calling we have received.
“We see through a glass darkly. We do not realise the unsearchable riches there are in Christ. When we awake up after His likeness in another world, we shall be amazed that we knew Him so imperfectly and loved Him so little.”
JC Ryle
To The Heart 