Staying Strong

I couldn't have been happier this week.  The weather made me consider moving to Illinois (yes, it was that bad...) and I had to bring my car into the shop, but it was still a great week.

Because I saw seven kids staying strong.

If you heard the message on 5/2, "Stay Strong", you may recall that I challenged our 8th grade graduates to stay strong in their faith by staying connected to God's Word throughout this summer.  They each received a red bracelet and I asked them to show off their muscles every time they showed up in church.

To be completely honest, I was worried I would be flexing alone on Sunday morning...

I told a church leader about the challenge--13 straight weeks of summer church attendance--and I asked him how many of the seven kids could do it.  In 0.2 seconds, he replied, "None."

I understand his immediate answer.  Traditionally and statistically, the transition into high school is tough on spiritual growth.  Some families see 8th grade as "graduation" from Bible study.  Many parents disappear from church and take their kids with them.  Or the sinful nature uses the teenage desire for independence as a reason to rebel against mom's Sunday morning custom.  Forgive the uncited statistic, but I believe 40% of confirmation students (that is, those who finish biblical instruction in 8th grade) don't come to church again.

I did the math in my head.  40% of 7 kids is about 3.  Statistics said 3 of those students wouldn't stay strong.  3 of them wouldn't be there on May 9th.

But then Sunday came.  Brandon showed up first.  I saw the red bracelet and smiled as he flexed.  "Thank you, Lord," I thought.  1 down, 7 to go.  At the late service, I saw another--Ashley...and then Morgan...and Jasmine...and Jacob...and Rachel...and Becky!

7 red bracelets.  7 young men and women who came forward to take communion for the first time with their parents.  I tried to focus as I distributed the bread and the wine, but my eyes were locked on those red bracelets.  These kids are staying strong...Amen!

After church they showed off their muscles.  A few moms and dads flexed less toned arms, but equally growing faiths.  It was a good day.

Please don't misunderstand the point of this challenge.  Sitting in a pew will not make you spiritually strong.  Having your name on a church membership list does nothing, in and of itself.  Being present in a church does not guarantee anything.

But the Word of God does strengthen us.  The biblical encouragement of a friend from church does strengthen us.  The message applied by a pastor to a young heart strengthens us.  The songs we sing, masterfully composed, use the tune to stick the text in our minds and that strengthens us. 

So do I believe in the building at 2310 Independence Lane?  No, but I do believe in the Word that is shared at that address.  That's why those 7 faces (+ the 420 others that came last weekend) made it a good week.

I don't know what this summer will bring.  Will all seven stay strong?  I can't guarantee they will, but I can pray.  I can encourage.  I can ask those of you who know those seven young faces to "spur them on towards love and good deeds," (Heb. 10).

Please pray for Brandon, Ashley, Morgan, Jasmine, Beckey, Rachel, Jacob, and their classmate Lea (from DeForest).  In fact, pray for all those families with teenages.  Ask God to give parents wisdom as they deal with the hormonal rollercoaster that is such a challenge to every family.  Ask God to strengthen moms and dads so they can model the Christian faith, knowing when to comfort and encourage and when to stand their ground and insist.

And pray that this weekend I see those same bracelets around those 7 wrists, which are connected to those 7 arms, which are near those 7 hearts, which stay strong every time the Word of God is heard.

Blessings,

Pastor Mike