America is a nation of sports lovers. I grew up in a family that loved baseball, basketball, and especially football. Every weekend our group of “armchair experts” would gather around the TV to see their favorite teams win or lose. The expert “quarterback” or “pitcher” would always have something to say about the plays by the winning or losing teams. But our “armchair” mentality isn’t limited to only sports … it also extends to the Grammy Awards, Oscars, politics … you name it. And name it I will … it especially extends to religion!
I’ve met plenty of people who won’t darken the door of a church, yet they are an expert on religion. I know; I’ve been one of them. I didn’t like being “judged” by members of a congregation, so I’d sit at home in my comfort zone. I’m certain others have felt and feel the same. That changed for me about 15 years ago. That’s when I found a relationship with a living God that passed all understanding. I got off the sidelines and got into the game. It changed my life, believe me!
It’s been said there are three kinds of Christians: those who are so closed up inside themselves, they are not aware of others in need; those who hear the “clamor” of suffering but choose to do nothing about it; and those who do hear and help bring people healing.
God wants you to have great victory! It’s His game plan for life – without defeat. He is calling us from the sidelines of life. Faithful living and supernatural victory is not obtained by simply watching the fight, you must be a part of it, just like a football player on Sunday, you have the full armor of Christ for protection at your disposal. Every advantage is accessible to you and my friend, you are favored to win! Rise up mighty man or woman of God, leave the comfort zone and highly opinionated sidelines – it’s time to stop watching and start winning!
Ephesians 6:10-14 (Message)
“And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words.”
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries. Learn more about the ministry by liking our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CJEMinistries) and downloading our FREE mobile app (get.theapp.co) from App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, allow notifications to keep you up to date on what’s happening in Cary John Efurd Ministries. Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com
