Being raised in the Kansas City area and being a personal friend of Lamar Hunt, the founder of the Chiefs, I’ve always enjoyed watching the Chiefs play. For many years Loretta and I would go to Arrowhead Stadium and watch the football game from the owner’s suite while having lunch.
However, this last weekend the Chiefs lost to the Raiders. Even though they were winning with less than two minutes to play, they somehow managed to squeak out a loss. As the clock ticked down to the final seconds and the Raiders were declared the victors, the words of Jesus rang in my head. Jesus said he who endures to the end will be saved. (Mark 13:13)
The Chiefs played a good game. The Chiefs were ahead. They had more points on the scoreboard than their opponents. The problem was they didn’t endure to the end. It appeared that they quit playing before the game was over. They lost. And to the victor go the spoils.
Life is much the same way. As Christians we are in a race. We have been energized by the power of the Holy Spirit and given all of the tools for victory. In the Word of God we have the promises of God. He tells us that we are strong. In fact, the Word tells us that the energizing power inside of us is greater than any power the opponent may have. We are told that any weapon the enemy uses, any method he may try will fail because there is no weapon the enemy has that can prosper against us.
We are told that if we love with the love of God that this love will cover any fault or inadequacy that may develop within us. We are told that if we will walk in joy that it will be our strength and when the enemy yells at us and tells us that it’s impossible for us to win, we know that if we only will believe that all things are possible and we will see the manifested glory of God which no one can defeat.
But the key to all of this power is simply this. We must continue and not quit. We must run and not grow weary of doing good. If we continue, we will know the truth and nothing can stop us. The only thing that stands in the way of our victory is if we believe the lie that we cannot win and we make the wrong decision and quit.
We have placed before us life and death. The choice is ours and God tells us to choose life. Another way of saying this would be, he has placed before us winning and losing and the only way we lose is if we decide to quit.
So today I have this word of encouragement for you. No one can make you lose. No one can steal your victory. No one can destroy you as long as you make the choice to continue the race.
Scripture References:
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
(John 8:31-32)Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
(Heb. 12:1)But one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
(Phil. 3:13-14)I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.
(Deut. 30:19)No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn.
(Isa. 54:17)
For with God nothing will be impossible.
(Luke 1:37)
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
(Mark 13:13)
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.