I recently wrote a story about Jimmy Compton and his global accomplishments in the world of drug-free weight-lifting. His physical strength, perseverance and determination were all impressive, but what had the biggest impact on me was his enthusiastic approach to serve as a vessel for God’s power.

 

“Most people use wrist straps,” Jimmy said about deadlifting a jeep. “I don’t. I use Jesus.”

 

Compton’s sole objective is to bring glory to God. His way to do that is to display incredible physical strength to represent the ultimate strength – that of our maker and savior.

 

He wants to show young people that power – not just to lift hundreds of pounds, but also to overcome life’s struggles – is ours for the asking; if the asking is fervent in desire and for reasons within God’s plan.

 

He mentioned Hebrews 12 where Paul the Apostle talks about fixing our eyes on Jesus – the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

 

But Compton also demonstrates that we must do our part after asking and receiving. Being able to do what he does comes with hard work. He trains at his family farm many hours each week. I was able to witness it.

 

Jimmy doesn’t take his gift for granted and he makes it known that he depends on others. He talked a lot about the support of his parents and other family members and friends, including Christian and Chuck Marsh, who through their business, Quality Machine Inc., custom make all of Jimmy's training equipment. 

 

They crafted some steel brief cases which I couldn’t budge, but Jimmy lifted them to his sides as he ran across the barn. He tossed a 30-pound keg into the air as if it were a volleyball. I took a lot of photos and a couple video clips. But it was a picture of him with his bible that he was most interested in sharing. I found that cool for a variety of reasons. It is God’s word where the instruction to life can be found if we truly strive for that knowledge.

 

Read a feature story about Compton HERE.