Inviting the Challenge

This is definitely not me...

This winter, I went skiing for the first time in 25 years. I was very nervous, considering I had major back surgery four years ago. I’ve slowly tried to increase my activity range, knowing my ceiling is a diminished because of the surgery. To my surprise, things went better than expected. It turned out to be a pleasant day skiing the bunny slopes, reliving an old recreation I hadn’t done in decades – and my back held up nicely.

So we arranged for a second occasion, looking for another pleasant experience.

But this time, I wanted to challenge myself. So I worked up the courage to try out the intermediate slopes in the morning, and then after lunch headed over to the black diamond runs for the “experts”.

It was definitely a challenge! The top of the diamond run looked like a cliff as I peered over the edge, and instead of flattening out and cruising to the lift chairs, the hill never leveled out. Period. At all.

My thighs were burning half-way down the run, and all I could do to stay in control and keep my speed down was turn, turn, and turn some more. But with screaming leg muscles, each turn was met with great resistant.  What seemed like an eternity to the bottom was in reality only about 2 minutes. I spent a few minutes bent over, panting and thanking God for keeping me intact in one piece.

But I wasn’t done.

Instead of calling it quits, I went back up a second time to do a better run – and endured more of the same. But I was determined not to give up until I could master it.

At one point, I asked the lift attendant if I was the only guy skiing this section of the mountain. “At least you won’t hit anybody!” he yelled as I went by in the chair lift.

I think he was watching me ski.

As you’re enjoying this summer, I want you to begin thinking about this upcoming year. I want to encourage you to take the challenge before you coming up this fall with your small group.

The challenge is this: what is God’s direction and desire for this group, and am I willing to be used by Him in whatever way possible to help make that happen?

·         What is it that God wants to do in you?

·         What might he want to do in your group?

Spend a moment praying for each returning member. Ask God to reveal to you things like…

·         What comes to mind when you think of them? 

·         What do you perceive is their greatest need right now?

·         What blessings do they bring to your group?

·         What season of life are they in?

We have a blessed privilege – to provide an environment of relational health and love for God to use in transforming and developing the hearts and souls of your members.

As a small group leader, you play a critical role in helping make that happen.

Look ahead and take the challenge in having God rock your world this fall.