The Work Is Done, But Is It?

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)

The campers, cooks, staff, and counselors from the elementary camp have all gone home. Last week was awesome and there are continual highlight reels playing through the minds of all who attended. Special moments with friends. Tender conversations with campers. Worshipful times with Jesus. And the vision of this beautiful place forever etched in each person’s mind.

The elementary camp was carefully orchestrated, planned, and pieced together. Intentionality played a huge part along with the flexibility of all who attended. Staffers, counselors, families, and churches prayed deeply for each camper and the homes they represented. From the sound system to arts and crafts, all the tiniest details were covered with prayer.

And then it was over.

All the hype. Excitement about Jesus. Saturation in God’s Word.

It’s done. Everyone goes back to their everyday lives. Groceries. Bills. Work. Church. School. Family. Pets.

But do they bring that fervency home with them?

The intentionality?

The detailed prayers?

The focused intensity?

Maybe the participants bring home a version of the fervor. But does it last?

 

MINDSET SHIFT

What if we looked at every day like we view a day in the life of camp?

What if every human interaction was intentionally prayed over and all our directions chosen with zeal, purpose, and focus?

What if we entered every day with the excitement we generate at camp?

I met a man last year who answered a phone call from an unknown caller. When he realized it was a misdial, he kept talking to them anyway. Almost an hour later, he shared his faith with this “random” caller and the person on the other end of the phone gave their life to Christ. These two “strangers” now talk on a regular basis, across the country, and encourage one another in the Lord.

This guy was primed and ready. He didn’t miss the opportunity to share the gospel with someone most of us would have seen as a nuisance caller.

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Another friend shared her recent journey with cancer. While visiting a medical facility for a routine procedure, she started a conversation with one of the nurses. The Holy Spirit prompted her to share the gospel. After nearly an hour of conversation, this woman gave her life to Christ.

My friend had cancer. She felt weak and weary from the treatments. And yet, she didn’t let that stop her.

When my friend returned for her next procedure, the lady she led to the Lord was not present. She soon learned that the nurse who accepted Christ was killed in a car accident the very day she gave her life to Jesus.

The reality of life and death hung heavy in my friend’s mind, but even weightier, the necessity of always being ready to share the gospel of Christ.

NOW WHAT?

Maybe it’s not camp that lights our fire, but mission trips or conferences. Yes, these events are important, and God uses them mightily in our lives, but what if there is more?

What if we chose to live like my two friends and kept the pump primed all the time?  What if we don’t let the end be the end, but instead let it signify the beginning?

Let’s take the intentionality, deep times of prayer, focused conversations, and detailed plans with us every day no matter where we go.

And let’s run the race to win the prize.

Every hour.

Every minute.

Every second.

Every day.

(for more on sharing your faith: A Glimpse of Heaven – Inspire A Fire)

© Christy Bass Adams, July 2025, all images from Canva