Jenni Campbell
There is no place on God’s earth where the name of sprint legend Usain Bolt is not recognised and identified as distinctly and outstandingly Jamaican.
Bolt is a global celebrity. In some places, he is even idolised, revered, and envied for his God-given, divinely assigned, and divinely boosted talent and skills.
Without a doubt, Bolt’s phenomenal gift as a sprinter is second to none, and he comes to the track with a larger-than-life personality and endearing energy that embraces and impresses even his staunchest opponents.
The fact that Bolt was raised in the church should not come as a surprise to anyone. He carries the aura, humility, and dignity of a man of valour, even when he is brutally thumping his own chest as he strides across the finish line. He is a champion who clearly was brought up by parents who know the Lord. Unfortunately, he stopped attending church some years ago to pursue his athletic dream.
Returning to the faith
The iconic athlete’s parents, who are members of the Sherwood Content Seventh-day Adventist Church in Trelawny, have been pressing their famous son about returning to the faith, and he says that he has been giving it some thought.
Thinking about it is a good starting point. The multi-world record holder has entered the blocks. All set and about to push off. But in the realm of the Spirit, Bolt has already won this race. His return to God is already signed and sealed.
Regardless of how much he may have achieved in his athletic career, how brilliant and committed his staff is around him, and how many doors have swung open at the sound of his name, no man comes to the Father unless he is called.
The man known for speed is taking the idea of a return to church at a snail’s pace. He wants to be sure that when he returns, it is fulsome ‘all the way’. While the gift of sprinting may rely on strength, will, and a good coach, walking with the Lord is not by might or by power but by the Spirit of the True and Living God.
Someone needs to whisper to the King of Sprint that the King of Kings has beckoned.
Responding to God’s call
The opportunity is now. We are in the end times, and it might never come again.
There are so many celebrities and others who have been called but have delayed and missed the chance to serve in God’s kingdom.
Failing to respond to the call of God is automatically choosing the pathway to destruction.
Ask Jonah. He was told to go to Nineveh, but he chose otherwise and landed in the belly of a whale in the wide open sea.
Moses, Joseph, David, Esther, and so many others responded to God’s call and accomplished great and mighty things.
Even the Apostle Paul carried the divine call, though he was a senior persecutor of Christians before his Damascus experience.
Usain Bolt is well aware that God is a major force in his success, and it all began with divine plans orchestrated in the heavens. God knew the plans he had for the extraordinary athlete before he was conceived in Jennifer Bolt’s womb. God does not make any mistake. Not even his given name was an error.
Bolt has survived quite a few missteps and mishaps on and off the track; he was specially spared from the worst possibilities every single time. His good fortune is not by chance.
All to the glory of God
Bolt told the people at the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium last week that God gave him a talent and he used it to the best of his ability, all to the glory of the King.
Regardless of his retirement from athletics, God is not finished with him yet.
The good and perfect will of Jehovah in his life must be done.
As a father of three beautiful children, the call that Bolt carries and the precise purposes of God will extend to the third and fourth generations. Bolt knows this well.
Going to Trelawny to encourage the youth was prophetic and divinely appointed. The Seventh Day Adventists who organised the visit were clearly following the leading of God, as Bolt’s presence was no mistake. He had to be invited to Trelawny to encourage and motivate the young people.
Promise, purpose, and possibility collided.
Bolt said he went to the Trelawny Stadium to provide the youths with some encouragement and explain to them that everything is possible, bring joy, and uplift their spirits. He was greeted with wild cheers as he walked onto the platform to give his talk.
Can you imagine the gigantic impact of a Bolt championing the cause of the cross and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ of Nazareth in a stadium crammed with unbelievers who see him as an icon and more?
Bolt as a legendary performer in athletics is massive motivation for many.
If Usain Bolt were to honour God by returning full force to the faith, many who look to him for inspiration and leadership would look to God for their salvation as they also contemplate the way of righteousness.
Bolt was presented with the IAD presidential golden medal during his visit to the Camporee. He will be presented with the gift of salvation and the immeasurable power of the Holy Spirit when he finally honours the King with his life. It is time.
Source: Encyclopedia Britanica