Track & Field: 4 Lessons From The Hurdles

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

On Tuesday, I talked about four lessons from the starting blocks. Today, I continue a new track and field series with four lessons from the hurdles. This year, Isaac ran the hurdles. It was fun watching him learn the ropes of the hurdles, and it will be interesting to see what happens as his track career continues. At the high school level, one of Hannah’s track teammates is one of the best hurdlers in the state of Pennsylvania. It was amazing to watch him compete in the hurdles at each meet. There was a grace and elegance to the way he approached each hurdle. He relentlessly attacked each hurdles until he reached the finish line victorious in each of the races I saw.

With that in mind, I’d like to suggest four things we can learn from the hurdles.

Hurdles happen. In the 110 meter hurdles, men have to jump over 42 inch hurdles. When a runner leaves the starting block, he knows that there will be a hurdle. Life is full of hurdles. You and I will face hurdles. We are not promised a clear path to the finish line. As a matter of fact, hurdles add challenge to the race of life that could otherwise be flat and boring. A true hurdler embraces the trial that each hurdle represents. Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
It’s all about rhythm. A hurdler learns to take the same number of steps between each hurdle. It’s almost as though, he could run the race blindfolded. Developing regular disciplines and routines can be helpful as we face the trials and challenges of life. Spending time in God’s Word on a regular basis, praying, and spending time with other believers can be so beneficial in helping us when the challenges come. The prophet Isaiah writes about the importance of seeking God regularly in the morning: All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right. Isaiah 26:9
There will be another hurdle. In the 110 meter hurdles, there are actually ten hurdles. A runner gets over a hurdle, and there’s the promise of another hurdle. In life it’s the same, we typically face more than one hurdle in life. The cool thing is that God can use each and every hurdle we face for good. The apostle Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Keep going. A hurdler cannot stop between hurdles. He has to keep going. When life seems too challenging, we need to rely on the strength of God. Don’t give up. Know that there is hope. It starts with the next step. One step at a time. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

What lessons could you add to the list above? What hurdles have you faced in life? What have you learned through these challenges?

Track & Field: 4 Lessons From The Starting Blocks

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Both of my kids are finishing up their spring track and field season. Hannah is running in her first year of high school where she is competing in the 800, the 1600, the 4×400 relay, and the 4×800 relay. And Isaac is running in his first year of middle school track where he is competing in the long jump, the hurdles, and the 200.

It has been such a blast to be a parent during these past couple of months. I love the opportunity to go to their meets, to cheer them on, and to observe all the different events that seem to be happening at once.

I ran one season of winter track and a season of spring track when I was in high school. In both cases I ran the longer distances. I never had the opportunity or need to use starting blocks as they are typically used for the shorter sprint races like the 100, the 200, and the 400.

It’s been interesting to observe the sprinters as they prepare for their races. They setup their starting blocks just right, so they’re ready for the race. They jump up and down and do a couple of quick trials to practice accelerating out of their blocks. They listen intently to the instructions of the starter. They get ready. They get set. And they listen for the sound of the starting gun. They are completely still. And they’re alert. All this happens before the race even starts.

I think we can learn a lot from the starting blocks. Here are 4 thoughts or lessons that come to my mind:

Prepare. A runner doesn’t typically step up to the starting line without preparing. They practice for hours to get ready for this moment. Then they put on the right clothes and tie their shoes just right. They warm up. And they make sure everything is set up just right. In life, we have the opportunity to prepare for the race that we are running by putting on the full armor of God. In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us an idea of what this looks like: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6:10-20
Listen. It is essential for a runner to listen to the instructions of the starter. The starter gives the runner specific information that helps the runner start the race and run the race successfully. Failure to follow these instructions can result in disqualification from the race. Similarly, we must listen to our Instructor – God and His Word. The Bible gives us clear instructions for how we should live our lives. It’s important that we follow God’s voice – his instructions – so we are not disqualified. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30
Be Still. When a sprinter finally settles into his or her starting blocks. They have to be completely still. If they are talking or moving, they will distract other runners, they won’t be ready for the starting gun, and they will be disqualified from the race. In the race of life, we need to be still. We get moving at such a high rate of speed as we move from one activity to the next and from one thought to the next. We miss out on the glory of the presence of God because we are too preoccupied with ourselves. Before we run the race of life, we need to know who is in charge. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Be Alert. A runner is alert and ready to go at any moment. They are ready to bounce like a cheetah as soon as they hear the noise of the starting gun. They don’t know exactly when the gun will sound, but they are ready. In the race of life, we are called to be alert and to be ready at all times. We are called to be prepared in season and out of season, and we are called to make the most of each and every opportunity. Jesus reminds us in Mark 13, that we need to be alert at all times: “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” Mark 13:33

That’s all I’ve got. Time to head out for my morning run!

What else can you add to this list? When was the last time you ran a race? How did you get ready for the race?

The Cone Of Shame

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Last night, I picked up our dog (Iso) from the vet hospital. Iso spent a few days for surgery after he ate one of my dress shirts, a dish towel, and some other things. When I picked him up, I was given a list of instructions and medicines required following his treatment. I was also given an Elizabethan Collar which is supposed to keep him from licking his wounds. The E-Collar kind of looks like a plastic lamp shade that goes around his neck. If you’ve seen the movie Up, it’s also called the Cone of Shame. It’s as if Iso has been given a Scarlet Letter to tell everyone that he was the knucklehead who decided to eat shirts and towels and other non-food items.

People aren’t given a Cone of Shame when they do something wrong, but we sometimes where the marks of our transgressions. I have a scar on my leg which tells the story of me wearing shorts on a job site where I was helping to build a house in high school. Scars and other misstep indicators come in many shapes and sizes. Sometimes the marks of our mistakes aren’t visible, but they are enforced by people around us. In Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, The Scarlet Letter, we see this lived out in the story of Hester Prynne. In the story, she conceives a child through an adultery and is forced to wear a red “A” on her shirt, so people will know that she committed adultery. The red “A” is kind of like a Cone of Shame – it’s embarrassing, it amplifies our failings, and it makes it challenging to live a normal life.

I don’t know what you’ve done in the past. I’m sure you’ve screwed up somewhere in the past. I know I’ve messed up more than I care to admit. Why are you wearing your Cone of Shame? Do you know that you can find freedom and forgiveness from your past?

In Romans 8:1-2, Paul reminds us that Jesus came to take away our Cone of Shame.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Sure we have to deal with the consequences of our sin here on earth. But there is incredible good news for those who follow Jesus. He came to take away the guilt and shame of our past. He came for you and me. He came to set us free from the Cone of Shame.

How does this change things for you?

In Response To Boston – God Weeps Too

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Yesterday was an extremely busy day at work. I was running from meeting to meeting with little time to check e-mails or to catch the normal office rumblings when I made it back to my desk just in time to pick up a phone call from my Aunt Elaine.

Honestly, I was somewhat concerned that she might have bad news about my Grandma. After all, she just turned 93 two weeks ago, and her health hasn’t been great the last few years. As I picked up the phone, I could sense a relief in my aunt’s voice as she heard me say hello. She had just received a phone call from my cousin, Jane, who was concerned that I might have been in Boston with my family running the Boston Marathon. (For those who may not know, this isn’t completely out of the question. I’ve run three marathon; however, qualifying for Boston isn’t in my near future. Marathon runners will understand what I mean by this). My aunt went on to explain that there had been bombs going off near the finish line of the Boston Marathon and many were hurt or killed.

The race clock shown in this picture would have put me somewhere around the finish line when the bombs hit. I finished two of my marathons right at 4 hours.

After reassuring her that I was okay, I quickly clicked onto CNN.com to see what was going on. Sure enough, breaking news was just being reported about the bombs in Boston.

A couple of hours later on my ride home, I turned the news on to listen to the reports of what was transpiring in Boston just blocks from where I stayed in November. I heard voices and stories of despair and bewilderment. How could someone (or someone’s) do something so evil? How could this happen to so many innocent runners and bystanders? It makes no sense.

It’s nature to question God at times like this. In the midst of tragedy, personal loss, and senseless violence, we want an answer and we want to know that God is there. As I was processing yesterday’s Boston tragedy, I was drawn to the words of God Weeps Too, a song by Eli.

God weeps too,
God weeps too,
Though we question Him for all that we go through,
Still it helps me believe
And my pain it does relieve
when I think that God weeps too.

I have to believe that God weeps over tragedies like Boston. We will question. We will get confused. We will cry. We will experience pain. We must remember that God weeps too. His heart breaks over tragedy, violence, and injustice.

May our hearts break for the things that break the heart of God.

What breaks your heart? When was the last time you wept out of tragedy or despair? What has you questioning God these days?

Hit The Brakes – Pay Attention To The Here And Now

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

The other night, Leanne and I were in Philadelphia for dinner and a play. As subscribers to a local theater in which we see five shows a year, we’ve grown accustomed to driving into the city and parking in the same parking garage which is convenient to the theater and many area restaurants. The traffic in the city was busy as usual. As we approached the parking garage, I turned my left-turn signal on and prepared to enter the garage. Just as it appeared that the path was clear, Leanne yelled “Stop!” as a white car sped through the intersection of the cross street next to the garage.

Thankfully, I was able to step on the brakes before our cars collided. I’m sure the white car was going too fast, but I quickly realized that I had failed to see a red light in my direction as I was looking past it to the garage entrance.

This near calamity got me thinking (of course).

Obviously, I was very thankful for God’s hedge of protection on us which kept us safe.

Secondly, it’s important for us to be aware of our surroundings. We can easily be caught up in looking down the road towards our ultimate goal or vision. It’s important to have vision for the future, but we must also be aware of our present circumstances. There are things happening all around us that deserve and need our attention. Maybe it’s a red light telling us to stop for a minute. But maybe it’s another signal that could impact the achievement of our goal. Perhaps, you need to have a conversation with a fellow employee in the hall or in the lunch room today. You could easily let the conversation opportunity pass as you head to your next meeting, or you could take a few minutes to find out how your co-worker is really doing.

I often get tunnel vision. Thankfully, I’m a fairly safe driver. But I tend to lock in on my target and miss out on the world happening all around me.

The near collision on Saturday night was a timely reminder to broaden my perspective and to pay attention to the details happening all around me on the way.

Do you struggle with tunnel vision? What is one thing you can do today to be more aware of the things and the people around you?

You’re My Only Hope

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

In the original Star Wars movie which is now considered Episode 4, Princess Leia sends a message to Obi-Wan Kenobi (via R2-D2) saying, “Help me Obi-Wan. You’re my only hope.”

Hope is an interesting concept that is so often understated and misrepresented in today’s world.

I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow. I hope the Phillies win the World Series. I hope you have a good day. It’s good to have hopes and dreams.

Over four years ago, Barack Obama ran for president on a platform of hope and change, and many looked to him as the hope for something different and better in their lives. He may have brought a hope to many people, be he and all other leaders will ultimately fall short when it comes to bringing about a true and lasting hope.

In Psalm 62, we hear of the one true Hope worth following and pursuing:

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

How long will you assault me?
    Would all of you throw me down—
    this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me
    from my lofty place;
    they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
    but in their hearts they curse.^[b]

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God^[c];
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
    the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
    together they are only a breath.
Do not trust in extortion
    or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
    do not set your heart on them.

One thing God has spoken,
    two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
    and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
    according to what they have done.”

Psalm 62

In our efforts to bring hope to others around us, we must remember from where true hope comes. It comes from God. If we are to know hope and to share it with others, we must understand that there is truly only one hope. It’s not from Obi-Wan Kenobi. All other hopes will fall short. Jesus Christ is our only hope. Go after that Hope with all you’ve got, and you won’t be disappointed!

Do you need hope in you life right now? What are you hoping for today?

I’m Losing My Patience – 6 Ways To Rediscover Patience

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

As a kid, I can remember a few times when my Dad’s fuse was shorter than normal. Especially when he was tired and under a lot of stress, his patience would grow thin, and he would become frustrated and somewhat angry as my brothers and I would push the limits on what he could tolerate.

Overall, my Dad is a great father, and I’d honestly be honored and blessed if I could pick up half of his qualities. He’s a leader. He’s wise. He’s extremely intelligent. He’s caring. I could go on. But if I’m honest, I hoped I would miss out on his occasional short patience “quality.”

Well, I’m afraid that didn’t completely work out. The other night, Leanne said to me, “I think you’re getting more impatient as you get older.” Whoa! First, she’s calling me impatient. And then, she’s calling me older! Maybe she’s right. By the end of the night, my tolerance for horsing around diminishes, and I can often tell that I’m losing my patience. It’s not a feeling I completely enjoy. I don’t want to be grumpy or to be known as the “wet blanket” in the house, so I need to find a way to restore my patience levels.

Here are several ideas that come to mind for bringing patience back into my life. Maybe, they’ll help you too!

Recognize that patience come from God. According to Paul in Galatians, patience is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience (or forbearance), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Pray for patience. Many would consider this to be a dangerous prayer. I’m not so sure. If true patience comes from God, doesn’t it make sense that we should ask for it? “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
Learn the things that cause us to lose our patience. Maybe it’s lack of sleep. Maybe it’s financial stress. Maybe it’s pressure at work. It’s important to learn these causes, so we can come up with a plan to combat the problems.
Take counter measures. If it’s lack of sleep – get more sleep. If it’s stress – find ways to eliminate or alleviate the stress. Running is a huge counter measure for me in the battle against stress. When I get regular exercise, my patience tends to improve.
Get someone to watch your back. Use a friend to keep your patience levels in check. I’m thankful that my wife would call me on the carpet about my patience. I need people in my life who build me up and who help me deal with some of my “demons”.
Ask for forgiveness. On the rare occasion when my Dad would lose his patience, he would come back and apologize. He would ask for forgiveness if he had somehow wronged on of us. We’re not perfect. Not one of us gets it right all the time. We all make mistakes. We will lose our patience. Admitting failure can be a positive step in the healing process and in STRETCHING us towards the personal growth we need to pursue. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Do you struggle with patience? What helps you when you lose your patience? What thoughts can you add to the list above?

RePurposed

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Have you ever thought you were on the right track towards living out your purpose when suddenly you were turned towards a different direction?

Maybe you started college studying one thing when things switched up and changed your career trajectory. Perhaps you felt led to pursue full-time ministry when God clearly directed you to take up ministry in the work force.

Over the weekend our family was reminded that re-purposing happens. On Friday, we received an e-mail telling us that our most recent Seeing Eye puppy, Irwin, had been dropped out of the training program due to a health issue (faulty eye ducts). Obviously, Irwin needs to have healthy eyes in order to be a Seeing Eye dog.

When we received the message, we had a choice to make – to take Irwin back or to let him go through the adoption program that The Seeing Eye sponsors. With a new puppy arriving at our house later this afternoon (a “C” puppy – meaning his name will start with a “C”), we made the decision to allow Irwin to go to another family. Irwin will be re-purposed. Instead of being a Seeing Eye guide dog, Irwin will be a “forever dog” for a well deserving family.

When our purpose changes, it can be sad, scary, and confusing. It’s sad to leave behind the path we had been on, and it’s scary to leave what we knew in exchange for the unknown. It’s also confusing – why wasn’t this purpose more obvious from the beginning?

But a change in purpose can also be eye-opening and exciting. When we’re truly on the right path towards following our purpose, it’s like a light switch just went on.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I’m in the process of reading The Connecting Church 2.0: Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community by Randy Frazee. In the book, Frazee talks about the importance of finding authentic community. He shares about discovering our purpose (or story) by first knowing God’s purpose and story. Once we understand God’s story, we can move to “our story” – the purpose of the church and community. Only when we have an understanding of these stories can we begin to understand and follow our purpose and story.

Like the first believers in Jerusalem, I must belong, grow, and serve. I must fully participate as a member of a Christian community right where I live. I must engage in a journey of learning to think, act, and be like Jesus. I must actively use my life, my gifts, and my resources to serve others. (p. 73).

Your journey maybe unique, but it involves community. As you seek out your own purpose, I would challenge you to:

Follow God. Read His Word. Explore and understand God and His characteristics.
Plug into a church community. Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, you were created for community. Your community will help you discover a purpose that goes beyond yourself.
Explore your areas of passion. God has given you unique gifts, talents, and interests that will point you towards your purpose. Don’t be afraid to try something new and different.
Trust in God. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are reminded that God will make our paths straight when we put our trust in Him.
Fight discouragement. God has a plan for you!

“For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord,“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

What’s your purpose? How are you seeking out your purpose? Have you ever felt like your purpose had changed?

The Voice Over

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

A voice-over is a production technique where a voice—that is not part of the narrative—is used in a some type of presentation. [See Wikipedia.]

Earlier this week, I posted about two different voices I heard Sunday night. In the post, I wrote about the importance of relying on God’s Voice and about listening to positive voices in our lives. While I stand on The Voice that reminds me that I matter, I keep going back to the first voice. If you recall, this was a voice of someone telling me I wasn’t needed. I haven’t been dwelling on his words. But I have been thinking about him. In fact, thoughts have been running through my head like a voice-over as I rehash this experience.

As the girl in our youth group was getting baptized, I watched this man from the corner of my eye as he observed the service. He did not appear to be a participant but more of an outsider looking in.

Sure the baptism service was an opportunity for believers to celebrate the decision of someone to follow Christ. And it was a chance for the young girl to publicly state that Jesus is the leader and forgiver of her life. But the service was also a reminder to me that there are others out there who are still lost.

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

Christ came for the owner of the first voice that I heard on Sunday. Obviously, I don’t know the true condition of his heart, but I can presume that he wasn’t on the same page spiritually as many of those in the room.

The cool thing is that he felt comfortable coming into our church. There are many churches out there. Many of them say they want to reach out to the lost, but lots of churches fail when it comes to showing Christ’s love in a way that attracts, convinces, and accepts the lost. In fact, many churches won’t let “outsiders” in to hang out – divorcees, adulterers, homosexuals, and thieves. This isn’t meant to discourage churches from speaking the truth. It’s more of a challenge to consider how we can have an impact on the lost of this world. After all, we’re called to flee from sin, but we’re called to love everyone – and to go into ALL the world to share God’s message of hope and love. Christ set the example for us. He hung out with the “outsiders”.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”Then Jesus told them this parable:“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” Luke 15:1-7

Over and over again, I hear that voice from Sunday night. Again, I don’t hear the words, but I hear the reminder – God loves the lost, and He’s calling us to hang out with the “outsiders”. I hear the voice-over calling me to keep stretching and growing.

When have you heard voice-overs in your life that cause you to stretch? How are you intentionally hanging out with the “outsiders”?

The Voice – Which Voice Will You Listen To?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Jon Stolpe

Which voice will you listen to? The one that says you are not needed, or the one that says you matter? I heard both these voices the other night. I choose to hear that I matter.

Let me explain. Sunday night, I was helping out at the youth group by serving as one of the adult leaders. I’ve been volunteering with RIOT (the name of the group) since I went to Guatemala with 25 of the students from the group. Over the past several months, I’ve seen lives changed and relationships strengthened.

Part of the life change I’ve seen is when students make a decision to follow Christ and get baptized. On Sunday night, one of the students made that decision and was baptized at the end of Sunday night. As the baptism service was starting two older gentlemen walked in who weren’t normally part the adult volunteers. I figured they must be related to the girl getting baptized, so I walked over and tried to help them to the front so they could get a better view of the baptism. As I asked if I could help them, I was quickly reprimanded.by the older man. He told me, “I don’t need your help. If I needed your help, I would have asked for it.” Okay. I was just trying to be helpful.

This was one of the voices I heard the other night. I could choose to dwell on that voice – a voice telling me I’m not needed.

As I was leaving the church Sunday night, I heard another voice. Our youth pastor grabbed me as I was walking out the door, and he said “What you do matters. Thank you for being here tonight.”

What a contrast! It was as if I had two different people sitting on my shoulder. One was saying, “You stink.” The other was saying, “You’re the best!”

We hear voices like this all the time. “You can’t do it.” “Get away from me.” “You’re a loser.” “You’re not wanted.”

But there’s another Voice we need to listen to. Sure it could be a youth pastor, a good friend, or a family member. But there’s a Voice we all need to hear. It’s God’s voice, and he wants us to know we are special – we’re made with a purpose – we are fearfully and wonderfully made. What we do matters. And more importantly, you and I matter to God.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.Psalm 139:13-14

“For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord,“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”Jeremiah 29:11

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.Zephaniah 3:17

I don’t know your history or what you’re going through right now, but this is the Voice that you need to hear right now.

Who has been a positive voice in your life? What have your heard from these voices (and from The Voice)?