Do Hard Things

I recently went on a retreat with 6th-8th grade student leaders who desired to take their relationship with Christ to a whole new level. The retreat was primarily discipleship training and learning to, you guessed it, Do Hard Things. Throughout this weekend, students learned how to put aside distractions, practice listening prayer, and step out of their comfort zones in multiple areas of their lives. They took a walk around the Keller Park community to pray over the families and houses that they passed. They visited the Center for the Homeless and were given the opportunity to hear stories of some residents there over lunch. And most importantly, they were challenged on how to Do Hard Things outside of the retreat. In their homes. In their schools. In their relationships. In their TAWG. In many different aspects of their lives.

While this was a retreat for middle school students, I found myself leaving the weekend just as challenged. You see, I've got a pretty easy life. I've got roof over my head and food to eat. I've got a family that loves me and supports me and encourages me. I've got a pretty great job that allows me to do what I love with the people I love. I'm going to college for an education that nobody else in my family has gotten before. And I'm able to live in a community that is free to worship and praise and follow the Lord. What more could I need? What more could I want?

I look at that list and I feel content. Yet after feeling content, I immediately find myself feeling sick to my stomach for taking it all for granted. This weekend not only showed me how fortunate I am and how good I have it. But the weekend kicked my butt in the fact of being completely apathetic for those who don't have this life. When did my heart become so cold? When did I lose my ability to emphasize with those in need? When did I, myself, decide that Doing Hard Things did not apply to me?

Working in a church half of the week and volunteering in the church for the other half of the week can make a person numb to everything that's going on around them. I find myself trying to be a good leader encouraging students to make a difference in the world, yet I disregard the fact that God Himself has that same expectation on me.

1 Peter 4:11
11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Random thoughts going through my head right now...
1) Jesus Christ was not embarrassed to serve us by dying on the cross, so why do we get embarrassed to serve Him?
2) "Break my heart for what breaks Yours" - great line from Hosanna - God has shown us in multiply locations in His Word what breaks His heart, what is keeping me from having a broken heart over those same things?
3) What is blinding me from seeing the unseen? The pain and brokenness around me?
4) What is God asking me to do in order for me to step out of my own comfort zone to Do Hard Things?
5) Am I ready for what's to come?
6) Will I say 'yes'