As the NFL (National Football League) season "kicks off", so does the beginning of Athletes in Action's 41st year as the sport ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ.
It is incredible to think back over the years and see what God has done on behalf of AIA. It is also a sobering reminder of the privilege and responsibility we have to steward over and walk faithfully with Him into the future.
If we are to become individually and corporately who God wants us to become faith is an essential element. Faith is like a muscle that must be exercised daily in order to become more like Him and be usable in His skillful hands to accomplish His plan and purposes.
AIA has championed the biblical concept of faith as a necessary and desirable trait for all Christians to employ and embody. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:1, English Standard Version). For those seeking to know and become more like Him embracing faith is imperative. God effectively includes faith as a necessary ingredient to make us more reflective of Him and it is not an option on the Christian journey; it is a standard we all must embrace. Faith in God allows us to:
• move forward in the darkness even when we can't see how things will work out
• face our fears and move forward with courage
• trust Him for the unimaginable and impossible
• bear the heaviest of burdens
• persevere when circumstantial hope has dissipated
• love the unlovable
• forgive the unforgivable even when not asked for forgiveness
• choose eternal when temporal is more appealing
• acknowledge and experience His presence, both daily and consistently
• seek obedience and submission rather than temporal relief from our circumstance
• see God clearly
• listen to God's voice
Where are you today on the journey of faith God has set before you? Are you walking briskly, enjoying the fellowship and connection of your Heavenly Father, or are you hesitating, not sure if God is present and worthy of your unabated trust?
My encouragement to each of you today is to take hope that the God we serve is so worthy of our faith and trust. Walk closely with Him today, listen well to His voice, walk in step with His Spirit and be who He wants you to be today.
Let's trust Him today for things that only He can accomplish,
Bill
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