Key points
- 1
1Embrace the suck — Christians are called to run toward hard things, not merely endure them, because being on mission requires choosing sacrifice.
- 2
2Maintain a combat rhythm — take care of yourself in the lulls, but never let self-care become an excuse to abandon the mission, community, or generosity.
A story from life
The story of Elijah's collapse and restoration in 1 Kings 19, referenced to illustrate the danger of neglecting self-care during ministry
- 3
3Planning is everything and nothing — base your plans on God's purpose, hold them loosely, and change the plan without abandoning the mission when God redirects.
“God always gives us enough time and resource to do what he's asked us to do. So if you feel like you don't have the resource or the time you're spending your time and your money on something you shouldn't be and that's the problem”
“remember, it's a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it”
- 4
4You can win or you can whine, but not both — a complaining attitude blinds you to opportunity and dismantles even genuine service.
“You can win or you can whine, but you can't do both at the same time”
A story from life
The preacher describes going forward during Pastor Brent Hatchett's altar call two weeks prior, feeling personally convicted rather than being the one to deliver the message
A story from life
The preacher's account of a bowling tournament where he turned his attitude around and advanced from 400th to 4th place
- 5
5If you ain't scared, it ain't courage — real courage means stepping out despite fear, trusting that Jesus has already overcome the world.
“courage is not the absence of fear. Courage only exists when there's fear”
“the only way you will experience that kind of victory in the fight is when you step out and take courage and see that I'm gonna provide the victory”
A story from life
The preacher's father's account of jumping out of a plane behind enemy lines in the Korean War despite being terrified of heights
“there are too many of us that are beer and chocolate Christians that like to come to church. Enjoy the benefits kick back sing a few Victory songs. And then go back to our everyday life, but we are in battle and we need to be combat Christians not combative Christians, combat Christians”
Application
The pastor's challenge is personal and direct: stop being a 'beer and chocolate Christian' who enjoys church benefits without ever deploying into the fight. Practically, that means choosing to serve even when life is messy, giving financially even when money feels tight, staying in community even when schedules get crowded, and centering your plans on God's purpose rather than asking God to bless your own agenda. When hard things come — and they will — refuse to whine and look instead for the opportunity to trust God. And when you sense His will pointing green, don't calculate every possible outcome; just take the very next step. Jesus has already overcome the world. Your job is to take courage, get in the fight, and stay there.
