I know you've all seen the sport movies with the pivotal inspirational coaches speech. It's half time, the team is losing, and the coach convinces the team to believe that they can win. He tells them that they might not be the most talented, but that they want it more. Here is my valiant attempt at something of that sort:
We have set before us a great opportunity. The summer that we have been waiting for has finally arrived. We stand on the precipice of change. The determining factor is whether or not we will search for that change and progress forward in these hot months ahead. I would say that it is fair to say that many school-enrolled Christians really get a boost from this time of the year. We have our camps, mission trips, internships, and so on and so forth. We definitely get our fill of Jesus, and come August, we are ready to be that light in our school for Christ.
If I'm honest, I've grown to expect that sort of change during theses precious weeks of freedom. Every Christian grows over the summer right? Over this school year I have heard a resounded critique to that wishful statement. Growth is certainly attainable, but it starts with an investment. I would equate it to a poker game (bear with me, this is a flawed analogy). In a game of Blackjack, the player only stands to gain what he chooses to wager. If he bets $10 then he should for no reason expect a payoff of $100, that would be irrational. Our summer expectations should fit into place with this picture. The amount of faith we are willing to invest in Christ determines just how much and in which direction we will have the chance for growth.
Okay, so I know our faith isn't rationed into poker chips, so how does this pan out realistically? I maintain that the closer You are to Christ, the greater chance you have for growth. It only makes sense. Now don't misread this as me limiting Christ in any way. He is certainly able to do anything in any person's life. But in general, He works in those who are willing to work with Him. The Enemy certainly knows this, which is precisely why he attacks all the more vehemently when God's people are moving in big ways. If you want to hit a home run, then you must first step up to home plate. Expecting something that you haven't worked towards only leads to pipe dreams and wasted time.
What is it going to be?
If you want to experience God's glory, He will show you. He promises us greater things than we can imagine. Jesus said himself that we have been given the chance to do greater things than even He was able to do on earth. Do you believe that? If you aren't available to God, the chances He uses you are slim. When we place ourselves in sweet surrender at the foot of the Cross, the possibilities are endless.
I want that kind of summer. I hope and pray that you desire it as well. Read the Word, meditate on it, pray without ceasing, worship with your life, fast, love, be Christ to this world. The possibilities are endless.
Take me up on it,
-matt
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