by Victoria Heinecke

Prepared to share the Gospel.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”
1 Corinthians 9:22 English Standard Version

“Your bag is beginning to look like mine.”

My trainer made that comment as I rummaged through my equipment bag one day. Both of our bags contained boxing gloves, mitts, wraps, and other useful fitness tools.

Boxing gloves are an important piece of equipment. A good pair of gloves offers defense against an opponent, and with proper training are an effective offensive tool.

However, the finest boxing gloves are of little use when lifting a barbell.

Since we’ve started working together, I’ve learned how to use a lot of fitness equipment. Under his guidance, my trainer has shown me how to use them properly and I can give accurate feedback during workouts. I’m beginning to believe I can take the next step, teaching others as I’ve been taught, and am pursuing fitness as a new career. It’s an exciting time.

Jesus didn’t limit his teaching to twelve select disciples. He reached thousands of people using a variety of tools…parables, discourse, and miracles. After his death and resurrection, those he reached didn’t go back to their previous ways. Equipped by his many teachings, and in fellowship with one another after his ascension, the Gospel was enthusiastically shared throughout the world.

Today, countless numbers of Christians have been equipped by reading the Word, learning through a Bible study, Christian academy, or seminary, in order to share what they’ve learned wherever an opportunity arises.

My spiritual equipment bag isn’t very sophisticated. It has several Bibles, a lot of sheet music, and a collection of Veggie Tales movies. I can’t read Greek, or Hebrew, but I can sing and navigate a Bible to find the lessons I need.

With whatever equipment each of us has, we can tell others about Jesus and how he’s transformed us. As we gain confidence in how we’re equipped, we can confidently equip others.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21 New International Version

Part 4 of 4: https://prayingwitheyes.com/13196/spiritual-fitness-sent-forth/

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado