I’ve seen several of the Olympic athletes on Christian programs proclaiming their love for God and faith in Jesus Christ. I’m so proud of them, and appreciate their hard work and sacrifice.
Eric Liddell, a missionary to China, ran in the 1924 Olympics. He is quoted as saying,
“I know that God has made me for a purpose; to be a missionary in China. But he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure."To feel God’s pleasure! What a thought! God made each of us for a purpose. When Eric left China to run in the Olympics, he stepped (or ran) in the will of God. The Lord used his ability to witness to thousands. And did you know the movie “Chariots of Fire” is about Eric? So in that way, he continues to witness to this day.
I desire that the Lord would find pleasure in my life, don’t you? The second verse in Hebrews 12 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
For the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. In the coming weeks, athletes will have their eyes on the prize – an Olympic medal. In our Christian walk, we strive for the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ. We won’t be awarded medals that soon pass away, but an eternal home in heaven.
You might feel as if you can’t be a witness because you don’t preach or teach. In the body of Christ, all the parts are important. Every Sunday, a gentleman in our church cleans a glass, fills it with ice-cold water, and places it under the pulpit for our pastor. Very few people know he does this, but he is faithful. It is his ministry.
Ask the Lord what He would have you do. Perhaps you wait tables or work on cars and have a difficult time imagining how this could be God’s place for you, but God uses us if we are willing. Ask the Lord to open up opportunities for you to be a witness for Him. When you honor God in all you do, He will honor your obedience with a life that counts for eternity.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for opportunities to be a witness. I pray for endurance to run the race set before me. Thank you for the assurance that when this race is run, I will find rest in Heaven. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
3 comments:
How very timely! It really IS encouraging to see those who are in the public eye take a strong stand for Jesus Christ. It's just as encouraging that YOU can take such a happening and turn it into an encouragement to ME to minister, even in some small way. The Lord truly is glorified in your devotional writing, Donna.
Ellen
It is truly amazing how God can take a desire of your heart and use it for his Glory, and how he even uses the little things minister. I remember when my daughter broke her leg and was in the hospital for almost 3 months. In that time God used me to witness to a nurse and a teacher, but while I was witnessing and minstering to her, God used many people to witness and minister to me by the great love and compassion that was shown by my church and friends. I Praise the Lord!! For he is worthy!! When your doing your part, he sends someone to lift you up and help you! Great devotional Donna. I see YOUR joy in all the things you do for the Lord!
Geraldine
You are so right - God did make each of us for a specific purpose. Even if you feel that you can never have the courage to witness to anyone, you can make your entire life be a witness for God. People are watching you, so make sure you live a true Christian life - one that God would approve of. When people see you being a true Christian example, you are actually being a witness. Always remember to "Walk the walk; don't just talk the talk." Keep your eyes on the prize as you run the race throughout your lifetime.
Gina Bear
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