Well I am back home after a week of some rest, some adventure,
and the awesome opportunity to share the Gospel at Beach House Church in
Daytona Beach… It was a full week and of course ended with a 19-hour day of
driving, preaching, and potty breaks. We even made it home late last night in
time for me to get almost 4 hours of sleep before heading to the gym for Men’s
Morning Madness life group. Had a great time sharing in the devotion and
running the floor; and actually felt really good afterwards on the physical
front, until I got home and sat in my recliner. Now as I face the many things I
need to complete today (including this devotion blog) I am a bit overwhelmed
both physically and mentally.
So the question becomes, “Why do it?” To be honest with
you there have been many Mondays that I have considered not writing anymore;
there have been many trips I have considered not traveling anymore; there are
days I have wondered if there is a “normal job” I would be good at that paid
well…
But like the athlete that pushes out one more rep on the
weights when he feels he can’t go any farther; or runs one more wind sprint
even though he feels he may collapse; or is the first and the last athlete in
the gym for practices as he works on his craft… I am driven by a passion that
is founded in knowing my purpose! Even when I am weary I (like the Prophet Jeremiah in Jer
20:9) simply cannot quit!
I read a great quote in the forward to the book “Open My
Eyes” (author Brian Webb); it is a book that was given to me about travel
safety and security in missions. The forward was written by a missionary (John
Burroughs of globalX Missions.) He was actually quoting one of his friends and
stated, “It’s hard to be satisfied with existence once you’ve tasted purpose.”
He goes on to ask, “Do you desire to have an impact on people for good?”
Here at InBounds we continue to use the acronym MAD (Making A Difference.) I cannot tell you what your purpose is in
vocation, school, etc… but I can tell you that if you are a believer in Christ
you have purpose as an “ambassador” for him (See 2 Corinthians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, and many other verses
reiterating Christ’s commissioning us to
a life of purpose!) I just know I love seeing people get saved! I love
seeing people grow!
And in honor of Passion
Week I ask you to reflect on the ultimate example of one driven by passion
for a purpose… From the time of Christ’s birth it was told that he was on earth
to be a “Savior” and bring “peace” between God and man (See Luke 2); He rode into Jerusalem on
a donkey signifying that He was there to bring peace (See Matthew 21); and in order to complete His mission/purpose He “became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (See Philippians 2:8)
We know as He faced the completion of the mission, the
fulfillment of His purpose, during that earthly visit that He faced great
sorrow and the temptation to quit; yet three times He prayed, “Oh my
Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I
will, but as you will.” (Matthew
26:39)
And in the meantime His disciples were found asleep (See 26:40) and Jesus questioned their
drive and passion.
Aren’t you thankful that Jesus stayed the course? …that
He showed what passion really looks like? (Passion won’t quit… can’t quit… sees
things through to the end!)
Well we know the story that those sleepy, Christ-denying
apostles witnessed Christ crucified and were then fully awakened from their “slumber”
when they witnessed Christ risen again! That gave them the drive and passion to
fulfill their purpose!
If Christ were speaking to you today would He ask you why
you are “sleeping”? OR would He commend you for a life that is Going MAD with
the Gospel?
1 Corinthians 15
55 “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades,
where is your victory?” …57 But
thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast,
immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your labor is not
in vain in the Lord.”