Lightning and Leslie, two characters from the Alps of Chicago, kicked off the evening by getting the students pumped up and ready to face some physical and spiritual challenges. I’m not sure how you can turn mowing the grass into a workout routine but these two had all the moves. Luckily for the students, Ryan showed up just as they were finishing a workout that could only be described as questionable and quite odd .
Ryan, our guest professional and owner of Crucible Performance, was invited to come and share with the students what he does in his business and share how Jesus is part of his fitness center.
This first session of an 8-week course called “Underdogs Unleashed” focused on being prepared for what God has planned for our lives. Ryan was an underdog growing up and could relate to David, a true underdog in scripture. Both learned to see the challenges in their lives as opportunities to grow in their faith, which prepared them for something bigger. James 1:2 says “Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort.” Ryan encouraged the students to ‘Cherish the Challenge’ that they face each and every day.
David faced some incredibly big challenges in his life. Did he always get it right? No, but he learned to trust God through them and became known as a man after God’s own heart. What are some of the biggest challenges that you’re facing right now? Why do you think you’re going through those challenges? What bigger purpose do you think these challenges could be preparing you for?
You can find the joy in those challenges when you look to the one who is preparing you for something greater. Don’t give up. Keep preparing. Persevere. God will give you the courage and the strength you need to prepare and have the confidence to be everything God has made you to be.
