From the time we were kids—and were convinced that there was something under our bed when the lights were turned out—we’ve dealt with fear as a part of life. The older we get, the things that we fear simply change. In a sense, our fears seem to grow up just as we do. We find ourselves wondering: Will I find a job after I graduate college? Will I spend the rest of my life single? Does anyone really know who I am? As I have conversations with young adults, I continue to hear those questions of worry and fear. I’ve noticed that these … [Read more...]
I Don’t Want to be One of the Ten Spies
Fear does not advance the kingdom of God, but faith does. Numbers 13-14 has been on my mind a lot over the past few days. If you’re not familiar with the story (or if you need a quick refresher), let me sum it up for you: The Israelites are standing on the edge of Canaan, the land that God had promised to give them years before. These people had experienced firsthand the delivering power of God when He set them free from slavery in Egypt, the sustaining power of God as He provided for them during their journey through the … [Read more...]
Worth the Risk
Over and over we have seen how much Jesus longs to give us abundant lives and yet today we find ourselves not celebrating at a wedding, but mourning at a funeral. Now I am certain none of you came to this blog post because you were worried about missing the hardest parts of life—the suffering, the pain, the trials, the conflict, the darkness. But what if in trying to miss the hardest parts of life we are also missing the best? Last week I was given a beautiful and rare gift: a day with a woman who has suffered greatly. She is … [Read more...]
Friday Links
Here are some articles/blogs from this past week that you may have missed, but may be helpful to you as you work with young adults in your church and community. "10 Discipleship Questions to Consider Now for 2017" by Chuck Lawless The intentionality behind our personal walk with Christ is imperative. Dr. Lawless poses some very practical and important questions for us to consider as we pursue Christ in the coming year. "CoHousing: The New American Family" by Liuan Huska Huska examines the trend of “cohousing” that is … [Read more...]
Testing
Jesus persevered even when His faith was questioned. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Luke 4:10-12 Satan went for the jugular at the end. He asked Jesus if He really believed that God was God and that God would actually take care of Him. When have you questioned whether God was really going to take care of you? … [Read more...]
Do You Have Confidence In Your Purpose?
I survived, like we all do, against the odds. I should be dead. I should be a statistic. I shouldn’t be scribbling all over this page trying to describe the indescribable. So what happened? Was it chance, an accident, or dumb fate that I’m here now, a thirtysomething rock-and-roll mom looking back and collecting pieces of hope to give you? I don’t believe in fate or accidents. I believe in cause and effect. Behind everything lies a cause, a reason. Why does the sun rise? Because the earth revolves once every twenty-four hours. Why … [Read more...]
Why It’s Time to Overcome the Fear of Commitment
More options exist for you today regarding education, career, relationships, and experiences than for any prior generation. You possess a burning desire to make your life significantly count, and you don’t want to get it wrong. You might be hesitant to committing to life’s decisions due to distrusting the future. You’re afraid of messing it up. Many people are fearful of making wrong decisions, thus distorting God’s entire plan for their lives. Some people—especially young adults—believe God has mapped out every twist and turn of … [Read more...]