The beauty of the Christian race we are running is that, there are prizes available for more than just one winner.
Image Credit: Wix
Earlier this week, one of my sisters sent me a video that highlighted some of the terrible things happening to protesters in Nigeria. Images from the video burdened my heart and got me thinking about several other terrible things going on in several other places around the world.
For the last few posts, we have been on a series titled: Finishing Strong; and have spent three weeks [so far] discussing areas we all could work on individually to end this year well.
But today, I felt led to shift things a little bit and I've decided to title today's post: "Finishing Strong Together".
As I look at everything going on in the world, the word 'together' has never made more sense. According to Webster, together means in a body, a group, or a collection.
To illustrate this definition a little better, let's think about the different parts of the body; eyes, ears, nose, mouth, toes, heart, brain.... These together, make up the body. Each and every part, though individual, is absolutely necessary; and a person is generally considered healthy when each of these parts in their body works correctly and as a unit.
Unfortunately, our world today doesn't operate as a body. To be honest, it probably has never fully operated as one body since sin entered it. However, as children of God, our goal and desire should be to work as one body.
Even though today's society is stratified into layers either by educational or social class, economic status, marital status, racial prejudice… God's word exemplifies a different approach: Love, Unity [togetherness] and Prayer.
1Peter 4:8 states "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."
Charity in this verse can literally be translated to love. In other words, the command here is to have a fervent love among ourselves. Fervent love is a strong type of love, a forgiving type of love, a patient type of love... Its a type of love that will definitely promote unity/togetherness and not the divide we see in our world.
Imagine if we all have fervent love? How much influence will this type of love have on the current society?
So how we do get such type of love?
The truth is that this kind of love can only come from Christ and is attained when we spend more time with Him.
As I look at all the evil things happening to different parts of the globe, I am reminded of the verse in 2 Chronicles 7:14, which states "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
Finishing strong doesn't have to be an individual effort, in fact, I believe it needs to be a concerted one. Notice the wording: 'If my people' not 'if a person'.
Yes, its true that we are all in a race that we are trying to win; but the beauty of the Christian race we're running is that there are prizes available for more than just one winner. So why not help someone else out? Why not work together to help others? Why not fast and seek God's face for our nation or other nations? Why not show love to people that are of a different nationality or race than you?
Going back to the title of this week's post, finishing strong together needs to become a part of our end of year resolution.
Conclusion
As I conclude today's post, I want to encourage you to look around or just turn on the news. I guarantee you it wont take too long to find or hear about someone of a different background from you that could use some prayer, encouragement or help today.
Nigeria isn't the only country hurting right now, there are several countries hurting and desperately need God. So, how are we all going to finish strong together?
What will your contribution in terms of working together be?
Quick Prayer
Dear Lord, I come before your throne of mercy and repent of all apathy and lack of sympathy and love toward others. While I want to finish this year strong, please help me to realize that I can help others finish strong as well. Lord I lift up countries all over the world that are hurting and need your help [Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Yemen, Syria, USA... to name but a few]. Please send relief and revival. Let there be a change and a world wide awakening. Thank you for what you are going to use us all to accomplish as part of your end-time army. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Stay Blessed
❤
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