For some reason, this young woman (22-25 years old is my guess) was caught off guard by the “Jesus Saves” sign being displayed in front of the baseball stadium. Instead of keeping her opinion to herself, she shouted for all to hear.

For some reason, it struck me and i couldn’t ignore it.  After evaluating the size of her boyfriend and deciding I could take him (Momma didn’t raise no fool) I walked over and began a conversation.   Making a point to keep my tone friendly, I asked “Why did you feel the need to say that?”

It was obvious that she was surprised anyone would question her.  With much less confidence and conviction than she had before, she said, “I guess I just don’t believe in that stuff. 

“I understand that not everyone believes what I believe, but I guess I don’t understand why people get so angry about Jesus when they don’t even believe He exists.”

Almost wringing her hands she said, “Well, I am just going through some difficult things right now. 

At that I voiced my concern,  told her I was sorry for her struggles, and told her I hope she enjoyed the game.

As I watched her walk away, I said a quick prayer and asked God to reveal Himself to her in the next couple of days.

Still Praying

That encounter has stuck with me for the past ten days.  I have thought about her and prayed for her several times since…I have also come to a couple of conclusions based on our interaction.

First off, Ithan anything.   I don’t believe she has given much thought to the claims of Christ, His character, or the way He wants to affect her life.  I believe she decided to take the position of antagonist because that is what she believes is expected of her. 

She has given into religious bigotry because that is what “normal”..

So sad…the One who loves her perfectly is being judged and rejected before even being considered.

The second thought I have had as I have been praying for this young woman is that love and hatred are polar opposite passionate emotions that sometimes aren’t that far from one another.  I know many people who used to hate each other that now love each other passionately. I also  know many that used to love each other deeply that now can’t stand to be in the same room.

How many times have you seen a couple in an angry fight turn to a quick passionate embrace (might just be TV, but there is some truth there).

Because of this realization that the boundary between love/hate can be crossed quickly, I have been praying that this young woman who is trying to convince the world that she hates my Savior would one day, very soon, fall in love with Him.  I believe that day could come quickly.

They were scarred. 

And, not just once, but each arm had dozens; probably 50 or more between the two.

And, they were not normal bump-into-something type scars.  They were concentric circles that were obviously obtained from a cigarette lighter.  They had been self-inflicted.

When she returned with my treat, I gently grabbed her by the wrist and asked, “Why do you hurt yourself.”  Pulling her arms back and trying to hide them from me, she said, “I don’t anymore.” 

My experience with Randy was many years ago, but it dramatically impacted me.  It was the first time that I realized that there were young people who actually hurt themselves because they don’t know where to find peace.  They are so deeply scarred internally, emotionally, and psychologically that they scar themselves externally trying to cope. 

But, that is just one of the destructive tendencies adopted by young people to deal with the questions of life that remain unanswered and the issues that remain unresolved.

Randy represents a portion of the teenage population known as “cutters” or “self-mutilators” But others turn to immoral behaviors and illicit relationships to distract themselves from the pain, or substance abuse to control their emotions. Others simply play games that allow them to lie to themselves and others about the peace and joy that seems to continually evade them.  Their masks sometimes remain convincing until permanent damage is done leading to major consequences or, on occasion, completely unexpected suicide which they believe is the only valid option left that allows them to escape once and for all.

At www.groundwire.net our volunteer coaches deal with students daily who struggle with these diverse challenges, but one thing we have learned is these behaviors are just symptoms.  Whether they cut or jump from bed to bed they are just acting on an internal issue that remains deep and painful.  Whether they are succumbing to pornographic urges or binge drinking they are looking for solutions. 

The symptoms are many, but there is only one answer.  There is definitely a place for psychology and different types of effective therapy, but I am convinced that the battle for young people is first and foremost a spiritual battle, and the answer to their significant questions of value, purpose, and healing is Jesus.

He knows them perfectly, loves them deeply, and is the only thing that offers hope and healing. 

I want to remind you to look past the scars and behaviors of the young people in your life.  Look into their hearts, allow God to reveal their pain, and when He does pray for them, then offer them hope.  Love them in tangible ways and then introduce them to the one who loves them unconditionally.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Mr. Graham hit it on the head. He did not go into great detail about the symptoms of the youth crisis. He did not detail the issues of pornography, suicide, depression, self-injury, and hopelessness, but he did highlight the core issue. He reminded us that their problems are spiritual in nature. They are not simply social, financial, emotional, or educational. At the very center of their need, is their (often unknown) desperation for a relationship with the Creator of the Universe.

Our society (and often times our churches) has not grown cold to the plight of the youth culture. Every where you look there are organizations that are working to educate about substance abuse, self-injury, parenting issues that lead to lost young people, and emotional crises that create broken teenagers. And, although I endorse those organizations and encourage them in pursuit of meeting these needs, it is imperative that we cut to the quick and stop putting band-aids on gushing wounds. If we offer them help without offering them hope, we have not done much real good. If we take care of them emotionally while ignoring their spiritual need, we may help them have a better life, but we have left them unprepared for eternity.

Mr. Graham knew that whoever wins the youth wins the world; we must take the charge seriously. If Jesus came to Seek and Save the Lost, so our obsession must be to Rescue the Lost and to introduce the hurting to the One who understands them perfectly and can make them whole.

I am not talking about simply introducing them to the rules of our religion. I am emphasizing that we must share with them the rewards of having a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. He holds the keys to eternity. Although He knows them perfectly, He loves them unconditionally and offers redemption…not based on what they have or what they have done, but based on His grace alone.

We must help them see that He is the answer to every meaningful question. He is the One who understands their value and purpose. He sees their scars and has the ability to heal every wound.

The God of the Bible is desperate for a relationship with the young people who wander aimlessly and struggle daily. They need Him, and He longs to draw them close, speak forgiveness for their sins and call them His child.

In 1972, Billy Graham knew that there was a generation just waiting to be won and He knew that only through Jesus would heaven’s plans intersect earth’s need. In 2012, the answer remains the same. A generation needs to see Jesus as He truly is, and it is our job as passionate Christ-followers to make that happen.

As we commit ourselves to this great cause (is there any one greater?) may we see a distracted and distraught generation captured by Jesus Christ…and through them (and Him) may we see the world changed.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” II Corinthians 5:20

As we are working to reach a generation that is on the move, we have made the tool mobile as well.  For twenty-one days in a row a 2 minute video with an online journal will show up on your mobile device or email.  

The first day someone goes through it, one of our coaches will reach out offering support and committing to pray for the person every day for the entire 21 day run.  

The online journal where a user can take notes, find additional scriptures, dig more, and even link to videos and music that speaks to the days topics can be held private or shared with the personal coach.

And, one of the things I like most is that if someone neglects the study for three days in a row, the coach is alerted so they can reach out and try to get them re-engaged.

This tool will help lay the foundations of relationship and submission to those who go through it…it is unlike anything that exists currently and it will be an amazing tool to help new believers, people trying to go deeper, or those interested in learning more about authentic faith.

You can check out some samples of the video and learn about how you can influence the production of this video by clicking on the link below…would love to hear your thoughts.

http://www.indiegogo.com/twenty-one-gyf

In the midst of the activity I have found that my favorites are the ones where we are just together…the ones where I am holding them as babies or quietly chatting with them as toddlers.
There are some fun ones of us on roller coasters or at theme parks, but the ones that I am drawn too, the ones that make my heart swell with love and appreciation are the ones where we are resting/enjoying/and engaging in conversation instead of the ones where we are doing things.

Made me think about how God views our relationship with Him…He does love being with us no matter what we are doing, but I think that His Father’s heart swells with love a bit bigger when we leaning on Him and enjoying Him.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, there is a part of us that wants to change the world and take the love of Jesus to those who are lost, but is it possible that we can get so caught up in trying to do things for Him that we forget to prioritize being with Him?

I know that it is a challenge for me…

But, my exercise in seeking out pictures reminded me how much a father (or mother’s) heart loves to just sit and rest with their kids…

That must be God reminding me to not rush through our times together and not run towards the next activity.

If God has a wall with pictures in Heaven, I think it will be filled with photos of you and me resting in Him and with Him.  Snapshots of the time that we refuel in His presence and hear His whispers.

Remember, God’s love is amazing…and it is personal.  His greatest plans for your life begin with the command to “Be still and know that I am God.”

Enjoy Him…snuggle up close and know that He is pleased.

Was thinking about what was in my heart and knew that I had to post about a complacency that can sometimes creeps into my heart as it pertains to my pursuit of God.

Now, I am completely aware that God doesn’t need me to pursue Him. He is who He is and my opinion of Him or relationship to Him doesn’t change that.  But it does change me. He was/is/and will be Holy…but as I pursue Him, I become more like Him.  His nature is perfect love…the closer I get to Him the more loving I become.  He showers compassion on the lost, hurting, forgotten, and addicted…when I am walking in relationship to the Perfect One, I have discovered that I show more compassion to those who are less than perfect.

So, why wouldn’t I pursue Him?  Why isn’t He my priority…my first thought?  Why don’t i discipline myself more to read His word, pray “draw me nearer” prayers, and spend time worshipping the One who is Worthy of all of my praise?

I know that when I do those things I have more peace (Jesus is the Prince of Peace), joy, passion, and love in my life…yet I am not as obsessed with Him as I should be…why not?  I guess the only thing I can say is that I get distracted…I sacrifice the best on the altar of average.  I give up my spiritual priorities for the priority of entertainment…and I ignore the most important relationship because others that are less important are more demanding.

Well…if you are like me (and i am writing this in hopes that some of you are…I don’t enjoy this type of vulnerability…but I am willing to share what God is speaking to me about in hopes that it might help someone else) you know how I feel…

I know that God is the ONE THING that I should pursue each day, and it is for that reason that I will make Him my priority…

God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Heb 11:6)…When I go after Him, He rewards me with His presence, His comfort, and the purposes that bring me fulfillment and Him glory…

There is a lot of talk in scripture about suffering.  Jesus told us that we would have trouble.  James tells us the consider trials joy.  Romans talks about our present sufferings.  All through scripture we read stories about people who had challenges and we are encouraged to stay steady when facing struggles.

Why then, are we confused when something doesn’t go right, attacks come, or our faith is tested?  Why do we lose courage when we face hardship.

I am not going to take time to evaluate what the Bible says about why trials come, how we should react, or the good that can come as we are refined in our own personal fire, I simply want to remind you that God is always with you…and if you keep your eyes on Him, He will offer you proper perspective in the midst of the most difficult and confusing times.

In the past couple of years I have become more aware of how many people are struggling.  Some of their challenges are visible (marital, financial, addictions) others are invisible (depression, loss, broken dreams), but no matter what they are, God is begging for their attention.  If you are one of those that is facing difficulties, do all you can to take your thoughts captive.  Don’t obsess about the challenges and don’t let fear grip your heart.  Instead, look to the author and perfector of your faith.  Stare into the eyes of the one who is capable of guarding your heart and protecting your dreams.  He is loving and He is with you.  If you choose to hold onto Him and you are patient you will find that He brought good out of the trials and that He has been with you the entire time.

What a phenomenal quote…so true.  What might hinder God’s movement more than anything else is that his faithful people are either faithless when it comes to praying, or negligent.

This is not to say that we are bad people, but it could point towards our lack of priorities.

I know that I am guilty at times of operating under my strength, within the confines of my understanding to accomplish God-given tasks or to face God-sized mountains…how crazy is that?

I serve the God who is more than enough…capable and willing to move mountains and change circumstances, yet I sometimes ignore His invitation to consult Him and fail to invite Him into my crisis/journey.

Today…not going to do that.  Going to let God be God.  Going to partner with Him in prayer so that I can see His hand move and sense His work all around me.

For all of you who, like me, realize that the most efficient thing you can do is pause to talk to God, let’s commit that we will prayer great prayers and watch God move.

The Bible teaches that we have wisdom from God whenever we ask, that we can know God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will, and that we can speak the very words of God.  So, why don’t we trust that?

Why are we so intimidated to get outside of the comfort of our own experience and logical understanding? Why are we so scared to follow God out onto a limb or afraid that we might not know enough in certain situations?

I am becoming more comfortable being uncomfortable in this sense.  I am learning to embrace the unknown and to enjoy the risks…because when I am more desperate to hear His voice, it comes through more clearly.

I am trying to train myself to pray specifically and wait for clear answers.  Amazingly, they are there.

God does not leave me hanging and his timing is not off.  He is there when I need Him with the answers that are necessary.

If we as Bible-believing, Jesus-loving, want-to-be-a-part-of-what-God-is-doing Christians really want to be close to Christ, learn to hear His voice, and make a difference, we need to get out of His way so that He can teach us to trust.