Losing to win

Did you ever tried your best to succeed professionally and then, when you finally have an opportunity to prove your talent something bad happens destroying the effort of years of dedication? If this ever happened to you, how would you react in this situation?

The reason I am asking you this question is because this is exactly where I’m standing now. But, before crossing the line of this hard and painful reality, don’t you think it is wise to seek how to react properly? Depending on what is at stake my reaction will be one or another.

If I consider my professional future, reputation, the welfare of my family and the fulfillment of my personal dreams as “the most important”, I have no doubt: I will fight until the end against whatever or whoever is opposing me, because I can not let it go, for I don’t know if I will ever have another chance.

If I consider the faith I treasure in my heart, the eternal life with Christ, the best interest of the kingdom of God and the fulfillment of His will, I must put down my certainty and ask: Lord, what should I do?

When Jesus was before Pilates, He didn’t open his mouth to defend himself. Why?

If he had in focus his human’s priorities he could walk away when the mob of soldiers fell down when they heard: “I AM”. He also could ask for more then 12 legions of angels and sweep out Jerusalem with all the ones who were seeking his life.

But Jesus’ focus was another one: He was focused on the will of his Father. He was focused on the real purpose of his life. He was focusing in your soul, in my soul, even in the souls of the very ones who were ready to crucify him.

I have several people who know me. Some are friends, some are enemies, some are brothers, and many aren’t. They are watching very closely what is going on, but none of them have any idea what is about to come, neither do I. In fact, I’m very afraid of how I may react before Pilates or the mob of soldiers.

This is the very reason why I’m writing this letter for you. It may not be written in proper English but I’m sure will be enough to make you understand how much I need your prayers.

Please, pray for me, as I’m going to these next two races this weekend. Pray that I will be able to respond to whatever Jesus have in his heart for all my friends, enemies, brothers and non brothers and, if it is necessary, help me to bare the lost in order to win for Christ.

In Jesus,

Fernando Dias Ribeiro