15/09/2014
Here's a free chapter for those friends of yours that are still undecided about joining the great company of men in becoming God Chasers & Iron Men.
Worthy Challenge #22: Give it Your Best Shot
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
1 Peter 4:10
A few years ago my wife and I took my son, Samuel to his first pro football game. Two great teams, the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears battled it out. At half-time, the Titans were down and Samuel was convinced we’d lose. I told him, “Keep watching, son. The game’s not over.” I had to keep reminding him of that whenever the game was not going in favor of the Titans. When the clock ran out – well let’s just say it was a long flight back to Chicago.
One of my favorite highlights of that game was when Ahmard Hall hurdled over a defender to avoid a tackle! It reminded me of the first time my brother ran the high hurdles in high school. Our entire family went to see him compete. He started the race strong and we were sure he’d win. Until he hit the 1st hurdle…and the 2nd…and the 3rd…knocking each of them flat. My family’s not known for our sympathy and so it didn’t take long for everyone to start laughing. But my brother kept running; bruising his shins and scarring his ankles as he hit hurdle after hurdle. People can say whatever they want about that race, but on that day no one could ever call him a quitter. Even though he was sure to lose, my brother gave it his best. By his senior year in high school his was arguably one of the best hurdlers in all of Kentucky and that brought credit upon himself and the school he ran for.
What gifts and abilities has God given you? You may not be a star athlete or a great singer but you have a gift. Read what Paul says about it:
“If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Romans 12:8).
Do This: This worthy challenge is about accepting your God given gift and doing your best with it. Whatever God has gifted you to do, decide now to use it in service to others. Make it a point to exercise your gift this week to be a blessing to a neighbor, stranger, or whomever God places in your path.
Pray this: Heavenly Father I thank you for the gifts and abilities that you have entrusted me with. Today, I have decided to never hold back. Provide opportunities for me to glorify your name as I operate under the guidance of your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!