Against All Odds

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37 (NIV)

Many of you may have seen the ‘Invictus’ games in 2014. They involved many athletes from around the world.  These athletes were competing with each other in nine multi-sport events, each giving 100% in order to obtain a gold medal in their particular event.

What made this venture so different from any previous competitive occasion? The participants were injured, wounded and sick service men and women; people who with the love, help. support and encouragement from others overcame their mental and physical limitations.  They focused on what they could do, and this served as a powerful example of love and commitment to all.

We have much in common with these athletes: we too were without hope, but now through Jesus we have a living hope.  John 6:44 says that “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” The Father will call all through His Son to participate and overcome.  He in turn will enable us by giving us a personal trainer—the Holy Spirit.  As we ask in faith we will be given that which we need in order to commit 100%.  Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” We do not compete against one another, for although we have our own course to run, we all have the same goal; indeed we are called to encourage and support one another in love.

The driving and motivating force of athletes is to adopt a winning mindset, and so it is with us—to have the mind of Jesus.  We need to focus on He who has already won the victory.  Jesus has given everything for us. He is with us always and will be there to the end to welcome us home. (Matthew 28:20)

Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your love.  May our focus always be upon you in everything we do, think and say, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us according to the perfect will and purpose of the Father. To you be the glory.
Amen

Study by Reg Newton

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About the Author:
Reg Newton attends the Watford Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK.  He and his wife, Pat, provide a prayer table for the community outside the Church each Saturday.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Watford
St. Peter’s Church
61 Westfield Avenue
Watford,
Herts.
WD24 7HF

Meeting Time:
Saturday 11AM

Local Congregational Contact:
George Henderson
Phone:  01923-855570
Email: george-sue.henderson@tesco.net