MINISTRY PARTNER self-control in all things . So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath , but we an imperishable .” When I read this verse , I always think that finishing the race is living a long life , serving God . To complete all that God has before me to the best of my ability . I always see this verse in my mind as one that pertains to longevity and passion , not just passion alone . But what about the persecuted ? What about our brothers and sisters who live in a place where to be called a Christ-follower means a life of 24 / 7 attack ? How might they see this verse ?
For many persecuted , a “ long life , serving God ” may quite literally mean another 24 hours . Or another week . Or month . And it won ’ t be strengthened by weekly worship services , Sunday school , Bible studies at church , Christian radio , podcasts that equip , bike rallies , or social media posts that inspire , or a new reading program on our Bible app . It will be strengthened by three things , primarily . It will be strengthened by faith in God through Christ , by the Holy Spirit , and by God ’ s Word . And that ’ s it — no other support . No breaks . No other encouragement , except by those who face the same circumstances . No end to persecution , or fear , or a struggling faith . No break on Sundays . It all comes down to those three basic elements — faith in God through Christ , the Holy Spirit , and God ’ s Word .
Thankfully , and worthy of our infinite praise , the first two elements are direct to us , regardless of circumstance . Our faith and the Holy Spirit penetrates prison walls , threats , torture , and the risk of death . We can take it with us . It can ’ t be removed or stolen from us . It ’ s always there if we ’ ll call on it . But God ’ s Word must be initially present to be hidden in our hearts . Someone must provide it . Someone must deliver it . Someone must translate it and get it into those hard places so that the words can be captured . So that it can be “ useful for teaching , rebuking , correcting , and training in righteousness ”. If you don ’ t have it , it can ’ t be used for those things . And this is where you come in . You , CMA brothers and sisters , provide the last full measure of what is needed for persecuted believers to stand amidst the worst circumstances and be able to provide to unbelievers what they need most . Not anger , or hate , or recrimination . But grace , love , hope , and joy .
When you look to make plans for Run for the Sun , see yourself as the chosen hope of providing God ’ s Word to those dark places . Not only do the persecuted need the Bible for themselves , for their families , and for their spiritual growth , they also need it because it is one of the greatest weapons against the lies of the devil .
It is the undeniable presence of Godly grace and teaching to those who need it the most . Open Doors is delivering the fruit that CMA has generously planted ! OD
13⎪September 2021⎪www . cmausa . org