I know a guy who loves to run marathons. Marathons are grueling. They require stringent physical training (which is in itself a major commitment of time). To be successful, you must combine physical conditioning with strong mental preparation and a tremendous will. What is so attractive about it? For the most part, is the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment one derives from making it to the end. I think there is something very natural and good about this innate drive to push ourselves to the end of our limits.

Is there not something within us all that yearns to give all we have toward some great effort? Our most cherished successes are generally those that were the most demanding. I believe the call to follow Jesus is a challenge of such a nature. Living out the Spirit of God amid an evil world is a challenge of the highest order. Maybe, in our desire to emphasize the ease with which one can become a Christian, we have unwittingly under-emphasized the challenge of living for Christ.

I believe the gospel's appeal would increase if people could readily see the difficulty and challenge that living for Christ entails. People are not so much looking for something that is free and easy as they are for something that is real and powerful. Most people long for a challenge, especially one that is worthwhile. Deep down, we all know that nothing worthwhile in life comes without a cost. Jesus taught that a person must lose his\her life to gain it.

Revival begins in prayer. All that I am saying is predicated on the need to pray. Also, we need to think bigger thoughts. We must be willing to challenge ourselves deeply. We have accepted limits regarding how much we can give and what we can expect to accomplish. These limits did not come from God and are not reflective of God's work with His people in Scripture.

What are your thoughts?