“Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”  – Hebrews 12:1

Everyone Is Watching

As a captain of my soccer team, everyone looks to me for guidance, especially when tough situations arise. Playing against an MLS team in the U.S. Open Cup provided me with an opportunity to lead by example. After going down two men in overtime, eyes turned to me as a leader of the team. I knew that all of my teammates and even our fans were watching me to see if I would stand up to the challenge or fold under the pressure. This would be an opportunity for me to “shine.”

Just as in a game of soccer, every day in our lives we are faced with challenges. In Acts 7, we can read about Stephen, a member of the early Christian Church. When faced with the pressure of taking a stand for his faith in Christ, Stephen gave a testimony which glorified God and ended in Stephen losing his life.

As Christians, God holds us to a higher standard. “You are the light of the world…let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16) People are constantly watching to see how we will respond when tough situations arise in our life. How will you respond? When people are watching you, will you fall under the pressure or rise to the challenge?

—NELSON AKWARI