I have seen stumbling athletes who finally won the race. An example in recent memory occurred at the same Olympics Games in Rio. Mo Farah won gold for his adoptive country, Great Britain, in 10, 000 meters just as he did in the London games four years earlier. His victory this time came in some dramatic fashion. Midway through the race, he fell to the track, accidentally tripped by his friend and training partner Galen Rupp. The accident occurred while running the 10th lap. He immediately sprang back on track to win the gold medal at 27 minutes and 5.17 seconds. In life, victory is sweeter when it comes despite numerous odds that line the route. I am certain that that gold medal will be more precious to Farah than that of 2012.
Our text for meditation today gives ample chances to a righteous man to win, even if he stumbles seven times. There is an allowance of seven times. I doubt if that is literal. It is a way of saying that God will keep bringing opportunities to people who would not give up. Therefore, a setback should not destroy the dreams and aspirations of those who trust in God. Whether in terms of following the Lord or our life’s ambitions, we can rise to win after a fall. Peter rose from his many failings to become the apostolic leader of the Church on the day of Pentecost. Regard your past failures as commas and never as full-stop.