Can God Be Challenged?

Phil. 3: 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 1et those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.


Our God is the Creator and Sustainer of ALL things. He is the only One who brings light into darkness, refreshment from trials, rest to the weary, sorrow over sin, repentance and forgiveness, love for others, kindness from selfishness and joy in the struggle.

As I am thinking and praying about the up coming snow retreat I am struck by the fact that maybe I am praying too small; maybe God REALLY wants to be asked to do amazing things, not just good things.

If God can change my heart's desires, if He can make me want to read His Word and desire to be more like Him, then He certainly can do that for others, including our students. He can take the darkest soul and with a spark turn it into a bright light for the Kingdom of His marvelous light. He can turn a heart that is as hard as stone and transform it into the softest, kindest heart. The exciting part about this entire thing is that He would much rather give His mercy to His creation than demonstrate His strong arm of punishment.

I am going to start praying that God would want to show off His amazing power this year at the S/R by showing how many hearts HE can change in 5 days and how dramatically He can change them. God wants to work in the lives of His people, He wants us to be conformed to the image of His son, we wants us to love His Word and revel in His Goodness, He wants to bring His light to a dieing world and He chooses to do that through His chosen people. We need to pray that He would show just how strong He really is in our midst. It is His will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. I don't want it to be because I have not labored for the students in prayer, and that I have not asked for all that God wants to do on our behalf that He does not work. It seems strange to say this, but I want to "challenge God to show off His power in the lives of our students.

Please pray for the staff and students of 128 as the S/R is now right around the corner.
Pray Sean would have rich, deep times in the Word and that he have clarity as he weeds things out and plants in other things.
Pray that the students would have their hearts softened to the Word and that those who are believers would be repenting even now.
Pray that we would love the students and that they would love and serve each other.
Pray that God would do an amazing work in the hearts and lives of the students, and staff, and that He would want to show off His power in the transforming work of regeneration and sanctification of all who are at the S/R. He can do this.

Pray, Pray, Pray.