Winning that Battle is ~ The Call to Endurance!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.…Hebrews 12:1-2.
What is absolutely necessary to win that battle? We must throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles... This special time of year as we draw close to the birth of our Lord, we may want to more than ever reach out to people so in need of spiritual food, the kind that does not perish. Especially as we see many so encumbered by sin and the darkness of it that we may not be able to reach them or even speak to them about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
We can approach those in darkness in simple ways that speak to their hope for a better life and their desire for love and joy in finding it. In that hope and desire for love, they really do seek a way out of that darkness. We can say things like " "What do you hope for this year?" "I bet you have someone who loves you or what joy it is to love someone!" Even atheists hope for something and desire love.
You can say, "You know, hoping for things unseen that are not yet manifest really demonstrates faith doesn't it?" Or, "don't you just feel the love in the air this time of year?" Whether they say yes or no... both give you an opportunity to open the door to God's Word the Bible.
If you know a single mom who is not saved and has concern for her children, you can say, "What would you like to give to your child?" If you know an unsaved widow, homeless person, bus driver, garbage collector or teacher... there is always opportunity to share the Word of God this season! Give it a try. Bring the light of the world to someone, after all we are called to such saving ministry. This is a simple way to battle for His Kingdom!
The difficult task though when it comes to battling for His Kingdom is that along side the hope and love we find and share in God's Word, there is also pain as we and those whom we share the Word with experience conviction. But, you know the Holy Spirit helps us to endure that pain as much as to accept it for what it is and in that we discover true joy.
In this way, we can finish the battle for His Kingdom with the aim of winning the race. To run faster, run better and longer, we must throw off every encumbrance and sin that so easily entangles... this way, we can run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus!
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