By Michael A. Milton
I returned to the boys who were waiting for my response.
"Did you talk to him?"
"Yes," I replied, still shaking from the experience. "Coach Davis says sprints are life." They shook their head.
And maybe you will, too. But I want to say to you that the thing that will condition you for the fourth quarters of life is the doctrine of God's glory alone in salvation. It is all of God. He is sovereign. He is Creator and we are His creatures. Get that straight and remember that this Sovereign God is also the God of love and mercy, and you will be ready for the game.
Now, finally, the third point in the game plan from this portion of God's Word:
1. Remember that you play for others
For all things are for your sakes . . . — 2 Corinthians 4:15a
In this passage, Paul was saying that he endured this for the sake of the Church. Now you may think that this sounds funny. Maybe you think, "I will go through trials for God and for me, but I am not going through them for others."
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:10: Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect . . .
It may seem funny to think that you play for the spectators, but in a real way you do. We are all here to watch our team win. Many have written about the importance of our national sports teams in times of national trials. When 9/11 happened, we needed, emotionally, as a nation to see our college football teams go on and play. We needed our World Series that year. Why? Because they represented that, in some strange way, we too could be victorious and brave during a national crisis in our lives.
Likewise, Christian, you must stand through the trials of your life for the sake of the elect, for the sake of others.
When you walk through the trials of life, Dad, remember that your son or daughter is watching. When you enter the field of testing, Mother, remember that your husband who doesn't know Christ is watching. When you, Pastor, suffer for Christ, when your own family turns against you because of the Gospel, man of God, remember that there are those who are watching. These are the spectators who need encouragement.
2. Remember to encourage others
Knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. — 2 Corinthians 4:14
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. — 2 Corinthians 4:15
