Do you know what happened on August 4, 1936? 

Jesse Owens won gold in the Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He’s regarded as one of the greatest and most famous track and field athletes in history.

Owens competed in and won gold medals in the 100-meter race, the long jump, the 200-meter race, and the 4 × 100-meter relay. He set Olympic records in every event he participated in. 

Even more significant than his medal sweep, however, is that in a time of Nazi oppression and Aryan superiority, Owen proved that faith, hard work, and self-discipline, not skin color, are the true keys to success.

My Race

I’ve never broken any Olympic track and field records, although I did letter in track in high school when I ran the hurdles (see picture). But I hope, as Owens did, that I’ll one day receive an imperishable crown, one the Bible describes as “a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:25).

Jesse believed in running the race set before him on and off the track empowered by the ability God had given him. 

Committed Christians want to do the same. The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian believers to “Run in such a way as to get the prize” (v. 24).

90 Years Later

Today, August 4, 2026, exactly ninety years to the day after Jesse Owens won his four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics, my latest devotional with Our Daily Bread, Walking in Faith: 60 Devotions to Renew Your Strength, releases on Amazon.

Walking in Faith is based on Isaiah 40:31, God’s promise that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

In this devotional, I share sixty faith stories to remind us that our greatest success won’t be flying to heights of glory or running as fast as Jesse Owens. We’ll earn an eternal crown for walking in faith, day after day, until Jesus returns or calls us home.

Owens said, “Championships are mythical. The real champions are those who live through what they are taught in their homes and churches.” As a Christian, he knew that what really mattered wasn’t the medals and accolades he’d earn on this earth. What mattered were the eternal rewards he’d receive one day in heaven because he walked in faith every day.  

If you need a story-driven, Scripture-filled devotional that will encourage you to press on in faith, even when you grow weary, I hope you’ll order a copy of Walking in Faith. Even better, order two and give one to a friend who needs to be reminded that God is with them.

My Prayer for You

My prayer is that as a beloved child of God, you will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk in faith every day. May God richly bless you as you seek to follow Him.

Now it’s your turn: What’s the most challenging part of walking in faith for you today? Share your thoughts in the comment box below and join the conversation.

~Lori

Where to Order Walking in Faith

Walking in Faith is available from these fine retailers:

 ChristianBook.com ($12.99)

Amazon ($16.98)

Barnes and Noble ($16.99) 

Our Daily Bread Publishing. ($14.00)

Your purchase during launch week is crucial. My goal (for God’s glory and the effective sharing of His Word) is to reach #1 in at least one of Amazon’s categories. If I reach this goal, Amazon will share Walking in Faith with other thoughtful readers who need the hope and healing we can only find in Jesus. Thanks for your support!