If I had to limit myself to share one overall message that I gained from the recent Global Media Summit it would be this,
To throw aside every weight and distraction, and determine to run my race with enthusiasm, passion and joy.
This is what high achievers and very productive people do to accomplish great things. They are not hindered by fear, doubt and unbelief, or the lack of vision and focus. With faith and determination, they just do it – whatever God has called them to do.
It was refreshing to learn from accomplished leaders such as Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle church in Brooklyn, NY, film maker Phil Cooke of Cooke Pictures in Hollywood, CA, Paul Crouch Jr, son of the late Paul and Jan Crouch founders of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, and visionary Suellen Roberts, Founder and President of Christian Women in Media Association and the Global Media Summit, and the list goes on. These great men and women of faith lead by example as they show us what it means to wholeheartedly follow God’s plan for their lives, and fulfill the great commission.
After being convicted and receiving a harsh reality check concerning the way I’ve allowed life’s distractions to hinder my progress, I felt a bit discouraged. But God wasn’t finished with me yet. And I know He’s not finished with you either. God had not brought me through months of hard work leading up to GMS only to leave me disappointed and in the same state I was in when the Summit began. He had a plan.
On the third and final morning of the Summit, I rose up early to spend time with the Lord, and from the moment I opened my eyes and sat up in bed, I could sense God’s presence as He began to speak to my heart. He gave me specific instructions on what He wanted me to do. While reading the word, I received fresh revelation on a passage of scripture that I’ve been meditating on for the past few weeks.
Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. Hebrews 12:1 GW
I’ve always interpreted this passage to mean the cloud of witness being my loved ones and those who have gone before us, who now are looking down cheering us on to victory. But God showed me that right there at GMS I was surrounded by many examples of faith. All I had to do was look around.
The only difference between those who were speaking and teaching at GMS and myself was that they continue to run their race, moving by faith as they do the work God has called them to accomplish.
As each of us look around, we can recognize those who are doing what they’re called to do. Let’s allow their example of faith it to ignite our hearts, stir up our passion, and inspire us to keep moving. Whether you’re called to plant a church, write a book, open a charter school, launch a radio or television show, now is the time to take your next step of faith. We need not fear. God is with us.
Each of us has our assignment to fulfill. We are all a necessary part of the body of Christ. Some of us are the hands, some the feet, some the mouth, while others are the eyes. We all play a vital role in the big picture of what God wants to accomplish in the Earth. As the world is grows darker, together we must push back the darkness, for we are the light of the world.