Outta The Game

She’s a strong player. Bats about 650. Quick; she can be counted on to steal bases. Faithful; works out throughout the season… and the off-season. Strong; no, not just strong… she’s beast!

It’s an intense match-up versus the rival team. The first few innings were sunny, but now they’re playing in the rain. And wind. She’s getting heckled from the opposing team, and sadly, even from some of her own teammates. She’s discouraged. Her swing is affected. Her attitude is crap. The rival team sees this and has high hopes that this will take her outta the game. It almost works, but, she presses on. She works through the difficulty. She keeps her head up. She stays focused on the goal… winning the game. Finishing well. Giving her all. Doing her best. It wasn’t pretty, but the team toughed out the win. Ahhhhh, it was worth it. Now, to do it again next week.

Doesn’t it feel like that sometimes in ministry? Things are going well. The church is growing, faith is getting stronger. People are becoming more dedicated, sacrificing for the Kingdom. Then, comes the enemy. He starts heckling. He even gets people on your team to heckle. Storms of life come and you begin to wonder if you can continue. It’s too hard. You get discouraged. Your attitude is affected… and you’re the leader. It may even seem hopeless. Then He whispers,

Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13 HCSB)

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 HCSB)

Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 HCSB)

Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith… (Hebrews 12:1, 2 HCSB)

And suddenly you have strength. You can’t explain it. Strength enough to tough it out. Encouragement to keep your head up. Focus for the goal. Motivation to finish well.

Ministry friends, stay strong in the Lord. Be encouraged this day. Don’t give Satan the satisfaction of taking you outta the game. Walk in the victory that God is perfecting in you daily.