Have you ever felt the thrill of a race, the adrenaline pumping as you push yourself to the limit, striving for victory? As Christians, we are in the midst of the most important race of all—one that has eternal consequences. The Bible gives us clear signs that Jesus’ return is imminent, and our responsibility to share the good news is more urgent than ever. The race is on, and the stakes are high.

The Bible provides several signs that will precede Jesus’ return. In Matthew 24:6-8, Jesus says, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” We see these signs all around us today.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul describes the last days: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.” These characteristics are evident in our society today, signaling that we are living in or near the last days.

Given these signs, our responsibility to share the gospel is more critical than ever. Jesus commissioned us in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is not just a suggestion; it is a command.

Every day is a day closer to Jesus’ return. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:36, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” We don’t know the exact moment, but we do know it’s coming. Each moment that passes is an opportunity either taken or lost.

The race is on, and the enemy is working tirelessly to pull people away from Christ and prevent them from accepting salvation. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The devil’s aim is to sow doubt, fear, and confusion, to keep people in darkness and away from the saving light of Christ.

But we have a role to play in this race. We are called to be light in the darkness, to be ambassadors for Christ, spreading His love and truth to a world in desperate need. The question is, who will win the race for souls? The urgency is real, and the need is great.

We must prepare ourselves for this race, knowing that we will face rejection and opposition. Ephesians 6:11-17 tells us to put on the whole armor of God: “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Equipped with God’s armor, we can face rejection and stand firm in our faith. We must also be strategic in how we share the gospel. Here are some practical steps:

– Pray for Boldness and Opportunities: Ask God to give you courage and open doors to share your faith. Colossians 4:3 says, “Meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.”

– Build Relationships: Invest in genuine relationships with others. Show them the love of Christ through your actions. 1 Peter 3:15 encourages us, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”

– Share Your Testimony: Your personal story of how Jesus changed your life is powerful. Revelation 12:11 reminds us, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

– Use Scripture: Share relevant Bible verses that speak to people’s hearts and situations. Isaiah 55:11 assures us, “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

The race is on. As followers of Christ, we must run with perseverance and urgency, sharing the good news with as many people as possible before Jesus returns. Remember, we are not running this race alone. God is with us every step of the way, and His word is our guide. Let’s commit to being His ambassadors, shining His light in a dark world, and winning souls for His kingdom. The finish line is approaching, and the victory is ours in Christ. Let’s run this race with all our hearts, knowing that eternal lives are at stake.