Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God. (2 Cor. 3:5)
Recently, I went on a 12-day missionary journey across the country for Links Players. On my way to San Antonio for our five-day women’s retreat at the La Cantera Resort & Spa, I was able to stop and visit various fellowships.
What an incredible 45-hour road trip it was, allowing me to connect with multiple women’s fellowships along the way!
With 63 women’s fellowships now, our women’s ministry is growing! Because of this growth, we are in the process of creating a more structured ministry.
Just as the men’s ministry has regional directors, area directors, and representatives, we now have women stepping out in faith to volunteer for national and regional leadership roles.
I am so thankful for these women who have come forward, using their unique gifts, talents, and resources for the Lord. I truly believe there will be a special “Links Players” crown in heaven for these dedicated servants.
However, the need for more leaders remains. As the Apostle Matthew so powerfully states, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37)
Irenaeus, a bishop and theologian in the early church (130–202 AD), said something profoundly beautiful in his powerful book entitled Against Heresies. He said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.”
What does it mean to be fully alive? As followers of Christ, we are never more alive than when we are living out the mission Jesus gave us by sharing the hope of the Gospel with others.
Even on a golf course, amid conversations between swings and walks down the fairway, God opens doors for ministry. To share Christ with others is to step into the very purpose for which we were created, becoming fully alive in Him while inviting others to experience that same life.
The Lord has equipped us with the Gospel and prepared us to deliver His Word to everyone who crosses our path, if we have the faith and courage to step out and share it. The Apostle Matthew states, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matt. 28:19).
Notice I said, “if we have the faith and courage to step out.” I frequently hear from Links players that sometimes they do not feel qualified to lead or represent Links Players because they may not know the Word of God as well as others, may not speak as eloquently, or struggle with past sins that have already been forgiven.
Sometimes I can hear the shame that haunts and taunts them into believing they are not worthy to be ministers of the Good News.
But I feel led to speak to everyone reading this devo today: none of us are worthy of such a task. No amount of studying the Bible, degrees, accolades, successes, or anything that one may obtain in this life qualifies us for such an honorable task and high calling. Need I remind us of these Bible passages:
“There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are like filthy rags” Isaiah 64:6
I am sharing these verses only to liberate you, not to condemn. I am speaking particularly to those of you who carry shame or guilt for past sins, that I may remind you that the Lord has forgiven you for them and cleansed you from all unrighteousness!
Remember this: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
I can assure everyone reading this devo that none of us are qualified to do so great a thing as to deliver the Gospel message without Christ within us doing it for us! Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5).
That is key to understand as a servant and believer in Christ, that you KNOW you are qualified to share your living hope and belief in the only true God, our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ, with anyone at any time as the Lord leads you. Do not let your past keep you from sharing the living and breathing hope that lives inside you, which is Jesus.
That is what Irenaeus means to be fully alive. So, go forth boldly, completely free from the fear of condemnation. Walk in the newness of life and step onto the course to make disciples… we need more laborers for Christ!
Prayer: Lord, we can do all things through you. Give us courage and faith to make disciples in the fairways of life, ever pointing them to you, Jesus.