half time

Various different sports have been used to describe the Christian life. The most common example, of course, is Paul's use of a race. On Sunday morning, I heard a sports analogy that I had never thought of before: the Christian life has a . . . half-time?

Pastor (excuse me) Evangelist Morris Gleiser was able to challenge me from the Word of God for the second time this semester when he came to lead revival services at my extension church. It was a great encouragement for Jarid, Crys, & I to catch up with him & his wife. We were not only able to talk to them about what they are doing for the Lord, but also about how the Lord is leading in our own lives.

The Sunday School service was a challege for the church to be faithful in seeking the Lord & to come to the revival services thirsty & ready to drink in God's Word. Where does half-time fit in? Pastor Gleiser mentioned that the half-time of a game is a time where the team is encouraged to be diligent & continue in good work. Half-time is meant to empower the team. To excite them. For me half-time was not a break, but the time when I took the court, but even for cheerleaders like me, half-time was refreshing, encouraging, & empowering. The church, he reflected, is a team. A body of believers working together to accomplish the goal of Christ. Revival (meaning new awakening) is the Christian's half-time. A time to be spiritually refreshed & encouraged. A time for clearified direction. A time to reignite passion.

I was shocked. Revival is half-time. It is everything that Pastor Gleiser said: refreshing, encouraging, empowering, & directive. It's funny how something as silly as a sports illustration can be an encouragement, but God is amazing like that.

So, are you praying for half-time?