_______________ DAY 15 – RACE WITH PERSEVERANCE_______________
Since [these ladies] are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let [them] throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let [them] run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]. Let [them] fix [their] eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of [their] faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Today I/we pray for attendees: Hillary Heike, Mary, and JoAnn
One may ask what exactly is “suffering/persecution” for Jesus’ sake? Raising kids in highly secular environments is a force with which to be reckoned. Prioritizing time with family and friends when ministry is so “needy, and perhaps even responsive” is a challenge. Seeing colleagues (both national and foreign) turn on each other is disheartening. Being faced with apathy toward spiritual things on behalf of those whom you’ve come to serve is often a reality. Jesus, may they focus acutely on You to know how to stay standing, with their faith (and their families’) intact and vibrant. May the retreat be a platform from which they can encourage each other.
Heavenly Father, Protestants in the Czech Republic are experiencing life without persecution for only the second time since 1620. Protestant churches have an important place in the history and culture of the nation. I/we pray for the growth of Christian leaders with the precious combination of spirituality and adequate biblical training. The recent religious freedom has been a double-edged sword. Believers are free to minister and evangelize, but openness has taken the cutting edge off of the Church. I/we pray that all those working for the evangelization of Czechs would do so with a unity of purpose and synergy of action.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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