The work of an evangelist

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Timothy 4:5 NIV

On Sunday, May 19, Dan Harris will attempt to complete the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon for the 20th time. He's among 18 people who comprise "The Legends Club" who have run the race each year since it started. Affectionately nicknamed "Durable Dan," Harris is an inspiration to many because of the numerous injuries and hardships he has had to overcome to keep his streak going - including a ruptured Achilles tendon, a dislocated shoulder, Atrial Fibrillation, and most recently a hip replacement. "Everybody was on board until my hip replacement," Harris said. But added that his doctors know that "no" isn't a word in his vocabulary. 

And you know, when it comes to pressing on in spite of injuries and hardships, Paul warned Timothy that the young pastor would face opposition in his pursuit to follow Christ - but when opposition arose, counseled Timothy to seek God's word for the Truth "in all situations" and to refuse to buckle under the weight of adverse circumstances, reminding him that God had called him to "endure hardship." All this he was to do, Paul said, while continuing to wholeheartedly and steadfastly preach the Word to others, thus fulfilling "all the duties" of his ministry. 

And it's no different today my friend. Each one of us has been called to "do the work of an evangelist," or a person who seeks to convert others to the Christian faith, especially by public preaching. And to do so, you and I must also seek the Truth daily and patiently endure the tests, trials, and sufferings that go along with being a servant of Jesus Christ. Plain and simple, we need to refuse to give up no matter how hard it gets. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing us the privilege of serving You. Help us to react to all situations and hardships in the same way that Jesus would that we might not back down in the face of pain or adversity. Help us also to be bold in sharing the Good News at every opportunity and unwilling to compromise the Message that we might lead the lost to the foot of the Cross. It's in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

I will go - Starfield

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo-hkHf_qeY