Below are some additional interactions on the article: Remaining with Jesus. Read it first.
411:
Vision and Faith—Did you know that when it comes to your journey with Jesus, vision and faith are practically the same? Faith is believing that which is unseen; vision is seeing the unseen. Both are required.
Stories:
I remember my first year of wrestling. At that point in my life, it was the hardest thing I had ever done. Anyone who has wrestled knows wrestling is mentally and physically demanding. Half way through that year, I wanted to quit… badly! It was taking me forever to learn the moves, and I always seemed to get paired up with a kid whose body odor was worse than stale, sweaty socks. I’m telling you, the kid didn’t wash his shirt all year; it reeked!
I looked for every excuse to miss practice. One time I “forgot” and went straight home after school. Another time I faked illness to hang out with a cute trainer. (I still remember her name—Medea Bard. Okay, stop laughing.) Through all my gripping and complaining, my parents would not let me quit!
Looking back on that experience, I have come to realize that my parents saw the unseen. They wanted their son to learn the value of commitment. I hadn’t learned it yet, but they knew I would if I persevered. They also knew that if they caved to my wishes, their object lesson would have failed.
I ended up finishing the season. And the next. And the one after that. And ever since my seventh grade year, I have had no problem honoring my commitments. Thank you, mom and dad, for making me do the honorable thing and in the process teaching me stick-to-itiveness!
Scripture:
1 John 1:9—None of us will run our races perfectly. Along the way, we’ll stumble. The apostle John tells us what we should do if we find ourselves falling back into old habits.
Philippians 3:12–14—Paul tells us to stay focused, keeping our eyes on the glorious prize that awaits us.
John 15:1–8—Jesus tells his disciples on the night he was betrayed exactly what they needed to do to finish the race.
Proverbs 4:25
Proverbs 3:5–6—Notice also what Solomon has to say about where our vision should be focused and on whom we should rely.
Colossians 3:1–2—Paul tells us that good vision for the Christian life requires more than our eyes. Good vision also involves the heart and the mind.
Proverbs 29:18—Notice what the wisest man who ever lived (King Solomon) had to say about vision!
Small group guide:
Identity (SG)—6—Hang’n Tight with Jesus
Video:
Take four minutes to watch the story of another great man of the faith who ran his race well.
Could you ever see yourself ever having this much faith?
This video set to music is about Team Hoyt. It is a father who began running because his severely crippled son wanted to ‘run’ a marathon. What you are about to see is the incredible vision and perseverance of a father and son to accomplish a very tough journey. They didn’t run a marathon, NO, what you’ll witness is a full TRIATHOLON!!!!!! What an inspiration!
Large group guide:
Identity (LG)—6—Hang’n Tight with Jesus
Life Questions:
- Live your epitaph. What?! Read and do the Reflect activity. Then you’ll know what I’m talking about.
- Talk to your elementary school counselor or principal on your base. Offer to tutor or read to students on a weekly basis throughout the year. You’re only requirement is to never miss a week.
- Talk to an adult that you perceive is spiritually mature. Ask if you can get together with this person once a week to read the Bible together. Your only requirement for the meeting is to read a portion of Scripture.
- Volunteer with your local chapel youth program. Become a Chapel Sunday School or CCD teacher.
Reflect:
Begin your life with the end in mind. In your journal or blog, write down your epitaph. Figure out now what you want people to say about you at your memorial service. Even more importantly, write out what you want Jesus to say about you when you meet him someday.
