The weightlifting hall suddenly becomes silent as if the time stopped. The athlete gives a loud shout and lifts the barbell with all his might. The light indicating success switches on, and the buzzer rings. There is a loud cheer from the audience, and the athlete is overwhelmed with great joy.
What’s the secret for weightlifters to lift huge barbells? James Clear, an American author, asked weightlifting a coach about the characteristics of outstanding athletes. He replied that one of the characteristics is to endure the boredom of training–constantly repeating the same motion over and over again.
Sometimes, athletes lose motivation and feel an impulse to quit their training, but instead of getting caught up in negative emotions, they seek the ways to motivate themselves to move on. Only the athletes who have withstood the times of endurance can stand on the stage and lift the barbells that are about three times heavier than their weights, and that they thought it would be impossible to lift in the past, … with all their strength and technique that they had developed for a long period of training.
Our God has entrusted us with the gospel mission. It would really be great if our gospel goals are always clear and if we are full of passion for the gospel all the time, but at times, we become tired, exhausted, or even feel helpless. Instead of letting go of our passion, let us seek the ways to stir up our passion for the gospel. When we stick to our simple but general routines in faith such as praying and studying God’s word, God will light up the fire of passion in us, and firmly set up our souls on the foundation of the gospel. Those who’ve overcome the time of endurance will receive the power of the Holy Spirit from God, and be able to accomplish the work that they couldn’t do before.