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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: INDEFATIGABLE (02/11/16)
Some people have an amazing zest for living. During his active service, Commissioner (Dr) Harry Williams revolutionised The Salvation Army’s medical services around the world, pioneering work in some of the remotest places. Yet in his well-deserved retirement he continued to advise The Army on medical matters: in his 70s he performed an operation at the hospital in Cochabamba, Bolivia that bears his name, he continued to travel abroad in his 80s, and at 95 he published a book. When I took him to Salvation Army events he would discuss the latest medical and technological developments, continued to paint (as he had done all his life) and made games for his grandchildren.

I can think of others who continued to show unflagging energy despite heavy schedules, dangerous experiences and advancing age. When the ten Boom family were arrested in occupied Holland for hiding Jews from the Nazis, they were sent to concentration camps where all but one died. Already in her fifties when released in December 1944, Corrie set up a home for Jews who had been liberated. Later she travelled the world until her death at age 91, preaching about the need for forgiveness – a remarkable message from a woman who saw her sister murdered in Ravensbrück labour camp.

Following his conversion, Billy Graham became one of the greatest evangelists of the 20th century, filling stadiums, and using television and satellite broadcasts to reach millions with the gospel. In 2006 he preached his last public sermon. Yet he was so determined to continue spreading the new of salvation through Jesus that in 2013, to celebrate his 95th birthday, Billy Graham recorded a DVD message entitled “The Cross – my Hope”

Each of these remarkable people (and many more whom we never hear of) were only following in the steps of the apostle Paul, who suffered beatings, shipwrecks, imprisonment and a host of other trials (2 Corinthians 11:23-27), yet he never abandoned his calling.

We could easily feel discouraged in the face of such seeming superheroes of the faith. Yet the secret for each of them was the same: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIVUK)

O Lord, may I learn the art of leaning on you, just like Harry, Corrie, Billy and Paul, so that whether the task I face is great or small, I may do it in your strength.
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Member Comments
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Date
Ruth Walker
02/21/16
It struck me in your conclusion, that they were just Harry, Corrie, Billy and Paul, known as friends to some who, like you, had the privilege of accompanying them in their everyday pursuit of Christ. They define "indefatigable" well.
A suggestion: that the very first line, if separated from those that followed (ie. stand-alone sentence) would have a greater opening impact.
Jan Ackerson
02/22/16
There's little to critique here as far as the mechanics of writing; you use the language well and your entry has an easy flow. There are perhaps a few places where I'd prefer a comma or two, and a few sentences that get a bit wordy, but nothing that distracted from the message.

I'd suggest that, since you had words to spare, you might have used them to develop your vignettes about Harry, Corrie, Billy, and Paul. Perhaps you might eliminate one of them, and use only the scripture from Philippians, and use the words gained to give us a better glimpse into these peoples' lives. Some specific instances of their tirelessness, perhaps even some dialogue, would make this little devotional even more compelling.

Also, this has a format that is very similar to the typical devotional format. In fact, one only needs to glance at it to know that it will contain illustration, lesson, scripture, prayer. People who have been believers for many years will be very familiar with this structure. Since your writing is quite good, you may want to experiment with other formats for devotionals--things that will catch the eye of a potential reader and make him or her want to see what's there.
Bonnie Bowden 
02/24/16
I thought you picked excellent examples of tireless workers who were instrumental in spreading the gospel message.

Expounding on the people in your devotional could have helped create an even larger picture of who they were.