A Second Chance

I did then what I knew how to do. Now I know better I do better.

Maya Angelou

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I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion

Philippians 1:6

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The testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you are mature and complete

James 1:2-4

At the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, 19 year old Anthony Ervin won gold in the 50m freestyle. In those few seconds it took to secure victory, he went from a little known competitor to a world famous champion. Ervin suddenly had extensive media attention with cameras focusing on him and numerous sources wanting interviews. Unfortunately, all the attention, the pressure and the  opportunities that go with that level of fame did not go well for Ervin. By 2003, at the age of 22, Ervin gave up competitive swimming and a decline into substance abuse began. Within a few years he was in the depths of depression, abusing drugs and alcohol and homeless. He even attempted suicide. Ervin’s journey over those few years has been described as “part spiritual quest, part self-destructive bender”.

After a few years of the destructive lifestyle, Ervin managed to extricate himself from that way of life and pull himself into a more positive space, working to be on an even keel and once again contributing positively to his community. In 2011, Ervin began training in the pool again. He was 30 years old. Ervin trained well, his times steadily improving, so much so that he competed in the 2012 Olympics, placing fifth in the 50m freestyle final. Four years later at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Ervin once again competed on the highest stage in his speciality event, the 50m freestyle. At the age of 35 years old, Ervin won the gold, making him the oldest individual Olympic gold medal winner in swimming.

Thinking About It

Ervin says that when he was 19 years old, he wasn’t ready for all that came with winning gold. He took up many of the opportunities presented to him, some of which were detrimental and were part of his downward spiral. However, when he reflects on his journey now, he is thankful for all of it, the ups and the downs. He says that having to work hard to find a healthy, stable mental space to live in has meant he understands a lot about himself and now feels he is coming from a place of strength and maturity. He doesn’t mourn over the lost years, but is thankful for the lessons learnt during them.

Our God is a God of second chances, and third and fourth and fifth chances. He doesn’t ever give up on us or stop trying to reach and help us. He uses everything we go through to grow us and develop us, as long as we bring it before Him. We may have felt we have missed opportunities or made mistakes, but with God, there is always another chance, another opportunity, another moment He will give us to be used by Him for His glory. No matter how far we have gone down the wrong path, there is always hope, there is always a way back with God. And He will let none of our experiences go to waste, in His hands, nothing is wasted.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You that You will never give up on me or walk away from me. Thank You that You are always wanting to help me, heal me and grow me to be all that You intend for me. Thank You that You are a God of second chances. Please help me to remember this when I make mistakes or choose wrong paths, help me to remember that there is always a way back with You.

Contributor:
Sarah Auld, SCNZ (pictured)

General Editor:
Sarah Auld

Content Editor:
Phil Pawley

Inspirational Reflections © Sports Chaplaincy New Zealand, 2021