Three Men and a Lady

We discussed some deep issues last night in home groups. There is one student who is fearful that someone she knows in is in an abusive relationship. Another student has a friend who is a Junior and is working to help support his family. Yet another student has parents trying to sell a home in this economy, and another who is trying to talk a friend out of suicide. One student asked for prayer for a friend who's parents are divorcing, and they are having a difficult time. I sat there and tried to appear calm as they were voicing these major issues that they deal with.

A few thoughts ran through my mind:

1) We need more adults to invest in these students. To help them walk on the journey with Jesus. To pick them up when they are weary, and to point them in the right direction when the path is dim.

2) Advice is helpful, but Jesus is the only solution. I listen, but emphasize that Jesus is waiting with arms open wide. It is only with Him and through Him that they can know joy and peace.

3) I wish for parents to assure their students that their love for them is unconditional and non-judgmental. When a student knows that she is loved without stipulation, communication is often less "risky" for them.

4) I pray for one student to count the cost, and be willing to pay the price to live for Jesus. I pray for one student to be a living sacrifice for Jesus, putting what they want aside and fighting for Jesus and His cause above their own. I pray for one student to truly meet Jesus face to face, and to never be the same. I pray for one student to be a pace setter, to worship when others aren't, to preach when others don't, to accept those that others reject, and to pray when others doubt. I am praying for at least one student to be a follower of Jesus. To walk as He did.

5) I commit to being an example, and I want to be like Paul who said "Follow me, as I follow Christ."