At the Olympics, the world converges in a stunning display of unity and excellence, showcasing an incredible array of human talent and determination. Athletes from many nations and backgrounds come together during this grand celebration of athleticism and sportsmanship that transcends borders and cultural differences.

Some track and field events seem to be over in a flash — literal years of an athlete’s work condensed into a sprint that lasts seconds. I can’t help but wonder what the comparison would be if the organizers pulled a random spectator from the crowd to also participate in the event, providing a stark visual comparison of the immense talent of the Olympic athletes.

When watching the summer Olympics, I’m reminded of Hebrews 12:1: “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.” (NIV)

Run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 

For me. For you.

As individuals, we each have our own distinct life paths that only we can travel on. But there’s a joint race we’re running, as the global Church, to fulfill the Great Commission. With the charge to go and preach, teach and make disciples echoing from Jesus himself more than 2,000 years ago, it begs the question: Why hasn’t the Great Commission been fulfilled?

What is the challenge? Is it a lack of spiritual hunger, a lack of open doors, a lack of resources, or something else entirely?

Hunger

As the leader of a global ministry and the son of missionary parents, I’ve been able to travel to 158 countries. I have yet to find a country where there are no people crying out for the truth of the gospel or to know the name of Jesus, their Savior. We live in a spiritually dark world, where people search for hope. While they try to fulfill their hearts’ greatest longing with everything the world offers, only God and His Word can truly fill that void. It’s not a lack of spiritual hunger that keeps the Great Commission unfinished.

Open doors

God can open any door. Truly, I’ve seen it repeatedly, both in my own life and in ministry. He provides opportunities for the gospel to be shared in the most war-torn and spiritually dark places in the world. I remember being in a mental health hospital in the 1990s with a pastor. These young people had never heard the Good News, and my team and I could instantly feel the oppression as we walked in the doors. Yet, we began to pray, and God moved. His hope and peace broke through. Open doors are not the issue either.

Resources

Over a decade ago, I found my father one day desperately praying to God in his office. The leaders of Brazil had just asked OneHope, which provides age and culturally-relevant presentations of the gospel to children, for God’s Word for the schoolchildren in the country — all 32 million. My dad sought the Lord for provision. Where in the world were we going to receive money to fund such an endeavor? God reminded him that reaching all of the children of the world with God’s Word was God’s vision in the first place. God isn’t staggered by any expense. He holds the whole world and everything in it. God does invite us to participate in His works and asks for pure hearts and motives. All glory and honor goes to God. No, it’s not a lack of resources that stands in the way of everyone having access to the gospel.

The challenge to fulfilling the Great Commission is the same as it has always been — it’s a matter of obedience.

Are we going to be obedient to lay our own plans at God’s feet and ask, “God, what would you have me do?”

The generations alive today have the most access to knowledge and collaborative tools in the history of humanity. I believe the Great Commission doesn’t have to be the dream of generations far off, but it can become the reality of our generation.

Are we going to be willing vessels, in our own spheres of influence, to walk closely with God?

 

Rob is President of OneHope. His innovative Outcome Based Ministry model and training has helped thousands of global ministries shift their paradigm and begin incorporating best practices that dramatically increase their effectiveness.  OneHope.net

Read more by Rob Hoskins at goodnewsfl.org/author/rob-hoskins/