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“Training for the Competition”

Thoughts for Today:

I'm in the process of preparing for a medical/evangelical mission trip to Ecuador with two of my longtime companions -- Dr. Len Renfer and Jim West. This trip is considered "extreme" because we will be backpacking between villages, camping out, and performing basic medical services while sharing the Gospel in the mountains above Quito (elevation of 12,000 feet). After four days in the mountains, we then fly down to the rain forest and do the same thing in villages near the Amazon River. It should be a great adventure and a wonderful way to serve our Lord.

In our passage today, Paul says, "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training." I think that pretty well sums up my approach as I prepare for this trip. How so? Because for the last two months I've been dieting, running, hiking, biking and exercising regularly -- I'm training my body to make sure I can handle any of the physical requirements I might encounter.

Most people understand and also apply this concept of training before an event. We know it's necessary to be disciplined and make sacrifices in order to compete effectively. However, my goal (which is the same for my companions) is not for personal glory. It is to please God. Our competition is not against each other, but to win souls for the Kingdom of God. So whatever discipline we have imposed upon ourselves in preparation -- is nothing when compared to the joy we experience in serving our Lord.

Questions to Ponder:

Many people ask me of the physical training involved in a mission trip of this nature. Few wonder of the spiritual preparedness to share the Gospel effectively. Think about how you might talk with someone about Jesus. Are you prepared? Test yourself. What additional training do you need? Are you ready to compete for a soul?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.