Strive 2 Surrender

All of life is striving. We all have a pursuit. We are all in pursuit. The list of pursuits is long and varied, with people, things and agendas.

People are on a mission...

to find true love.
to repair an impossible relationship
to find or gain the "next best..."
to destroy political opponents
to beat our rivals
to achieve the unattainable

To have the most and be the best... a stand out, from a distant crowd.

Don't get me wrong... goals, ambition, drive; admirable qualities. To a degree.

Yet, Christ did not call us to lead, but to follow.
God is true love.
Many relationships are impossible, but one with God is not.
Whatever the "next best" is, it remains secondary to Christ.
Love our enemies.
Bless those who persecute and do all manner of evil against us.
Whatever alludes us, a Christ-less eternity does not need to top the list.

Yet, even in ministry we can get distracted. Into the social hot topics, debates and discussions of the day. Of personal goals and desires. Frustrations of those who don't get along with us or are blatantly against us. Whatever our days and the struggles that accompany them, it's all God's. Whatever we do, we do as unto the Lord; for the Lord.

Pray, this #missionsFriday, that missionaries would continue in their focus and efforts for the kingdom of God. May life and it's woes neither distract nor dissuade their ability to persevere for the Gospel. Pray God would strength and rejuvenate the worn-out and weary. May God propel them to higher heights and greater depths, not because of their merit, but because of His sovereignty; not because of man's greatness, but because of God's goodness.

It's not a matter of striving,
But one of surrendering.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the Gospel of Christ.

- PNC

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