“What is the purpose of suffering?”
“Why do you believe in God?”
“What has been your biggest challenge spiritually on the Race thus far?”
These are the first questions one should expect from strangers right?
A group of teens, the youngest 13, sat before us waiting in anticipation for our response. I found myself laughing at the reality of the depth behind their questions. We had come as a voice of outside knowledge, of community within a different cultural pre-set, and they wanted to know about it all.
I remember our first days on the race. Our team chatted about family members, where we lived, our hobbies and our favorite movies. It took over a month before the deep questions began. Yet, in minutes our new friends wanted us to share, before the whole group, all of our life experiences.
Talk about a lesson in humility. That is the joy of being a humble servant of a great God. The journey he has taken us on is not about the stories we have to share, but of the work he has done.
They knew that.
As their intrigue grew with each passing answer I saw in them a passion for community and wisdom that comes only from God. As it is a small youth group all ages [13-35] study scripture and grow together. The life lessons of the older are conveyed to the younger, and the child-like faith of the youngest is displayed to the oldest. Curious pre-believers join in and are welcomed as family, new believers are discipled as sisters and brothers, and the hurting are cared for by all. Nurturing, laughing, worshiping and serving are already a priority in their young lives.
“It is not only the old who are wise,
not only the aged who understand what is right.”
Job 32:9
In worship no one is looking around seeking the approval of others. In Bible study scripture is studied chapter by chapter to better understand their Creator. In curiosity or doubt they surround each other with truth. In service, they are passionate, sharing all of their spiritual gifts and love in that moment to exist as an image of God’s passionate pursuit of his children. In trial, prayer is their first response, comfort their second and joy their constant.
A year ago it was spoken over their youth group that they would re-claim the park along the Danube for Christ. This park has a history of violence, communistic strongholds and suicidal attempts. The youth had no doubt as they boldly went to the park in prayer, and watched as God began opening hearts around them. From this passion sprang the building project at the underground.
As hours, days and weeks passed the answers grew longer and longer as their questions sought out more detail. They wanted to absorb all of the wisdom God had gifted us in our journeys. Yet, in all my answers I found myself seeking their wisdom. Their age was of no consequence, rather a gift in curiosity, in passion, in childlike faith and in a spiritual maturity that those far beyond their years have yet to grasp.
Reflection:
Where have you found such a community?
Who in your life is currently an inspiration in the spiritual maturity?
Who has God placed in your life to disciple?
Prayer:
For this community to continue to stand out as a bold voice for God in their community, city and nation.
