How embarrassing it is that so many athletes takes more seriously their discipline for the sake of winning games than do I, a Christian, for the sake of winning souls.
Certainly, it is the Holy Spirit who breathes life into those for whom Christ died and the Father selected, but it is no less the charge upon me, and all who would believe, to go and to make disciples of all nations; to contend for the truth, and to take seriously the reality of eternity. Whether or not my every effort will be successful is not my concern, but that I should be ready for good work is my obligation and my opportunity.
How then am I practicing to thwart evil and advance the Gospel? Do I not have an enemy, and is he not working against me? Can I do the enemy any greater favor than to be distracted by trivial matters, or by comfort?
In prayers of confession and repentance, I’ve sought to demonstrate my awareness of my inability to do anything apart from the from God’s grace, but not for lack of effort. I have tried going my own way, on my own power, and for my failures, which are many, I am grateful, lest I not realize my need for God above all else.
But now, empty and laid low, the Word says that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Phil 4:13), not for the sake of my old desires, but for new ones. I was not emptied out to remain so, but in order that my cup would runneth over.
Freed from the penalty of disobedience, I can pursue the joy of obedience. Freed from the weight of the law, I can love and seek to uphold it. Freed from the slavery of sin, I have the privilege made available to me to be a slave to righteousness.
So then, may be it so. Here am I, Lord. Equip and send me, not that I would be someone, but that they would know You. Make me able to endure the things I hate. Make me return evil with good. Make me self-controlled, patient, and forgiving. Make me faithful.
And, let me be technically and tactically proficient for You. Let me train as I ought to, and learn what I may soon need to teach. Make me a mission asset, wholly committed to Your objectives.
For everything else can be done better in Heaven, except disciple-making.
God is still good 