MAKE A WISH

A college freshman, small in stature, wanted to be a member of the football team. He reported for the first practice, went to the coach and asked to try out for the team. Not wanting to discourage him, the coach agreed. He gave him the football and said, “I want you to run toward the goal while these two linemen chase you.”

Tucking the ball under his arm, he ran as fast as he could. Soon, one of the linemen grabbed his right leg, and he began to fall. Then the other one grabbed his left leg, and he fell to the ground. As he lay there panting and praying, one of them said, “This may be your last wish. Make it count and be careful not to waste it.”

“I wish you’d let me go so I can tell the coach, ‘I quit.’”

There were many times in the life of the Apostle Paul that he faced overwhelming odds; times when it appeared that he would be “torn apart.” But he never gave up or quit.

When he was enduring his final imprisonment in Rome and awaiting his trial, he did not know if he would be released or executed. Rather than being filled with fear, he demonstrated his faith in God. So, he prayed. And what did he pray? He prayed that when he stood trial he would speak courageously for Christ and not be ashamed: “For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ.” What faith! What trust! What courage! What is your prayer when you need God?

Prayer: Father, may we, like Paul, have confidence and courage, to face adversity with faith and trust, knowing that You are in us, with us, and working through us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21