This monthly feature will give you the inside scoop on our events from backstage passes to interviews with our speakers, here’s what happens In Any Event.
We only have one life. One. At stronger. we don’t believe in settling for the status quo. We want to go deeper, push harder, and live bolder. God wants us to be prepared to live a life empowered and emboldened to meet the challenges we face. He wants us to be stronger.
ONE LIFE
Last week at this time I was doing something I’ve never done before and it was thrilling and terrifying. I was flying off a mountain thousands of feet above the ground at 30 mph. Okay, I was strapped into a harness and attached by giant hooks to a zipline, but still. I did it!! Bravery surged through my bloodstream and I was proud of myself.
A few years ago, the annoyingly popular phrase, “YOLO!” was being thrown around. As weary as I became of the indulgent, irresponsible, reckless way that phrase was being used, I can’t deny its truth. You do only live once! It’s actually sobering to think about the “one life” we have. The clock is ticking off the seconds and there’s not a thing we can do to stop it. Moments pass and turn into days, that turn into months, that quickly turn into years. And yet, we are so tempted to put things we really want to do off until next year. Then next year comes and we find another excuse to wait. But what are we actually waiting for? God gave us this one life. We should be living it to the fullest! It should cause us to pause and ask some important questions, especially as Christ-followers.
DON’T SETTLE
Webster’s defines Status Quo as the “existing state of affairs.” Did you know it’s actually possible to stay in the same place even though the world around us is moving at a pace we can barely comprehend anymore? Do you ever feel stuck? Are there times you become bored with your spiritual existence? I do. Often I wonder if what I’m experiencing is really all there is—a nagging sense that I’m missing something crucial. Where’s the joy? Where’s the excitement? There’s got to be MORE God has for me. Is it possible that next year I’ll look back and sadly realize that I’m the same person? No growth, no movement, no fresh revelations.
GO DEEPER
It’s so easy to scroll through Instagram or Pinterest liking, pinning, and sharing all the cute, perfectly hand-lettered Scripture verses written on top of a gorgeous landscape of mountains. It’s simple to listen to a good podcast of a trendy pastor. But there is absolutely nothing like digging deep into the Word of God for yourself. There is intense growth and healing that happens when we go deep with God. His Word is beyond our ability to exhaust. We can climb deep down into the truths and promises and find Him faithful. Every. Single. Time. We learn things about ourselves that we never saw before. We understand more of God’s love, mercy, and grace.
PUSH HARDER
Jumping off a mountain and hiking up some rough terrain was invigorating, and at the end of the day I looked in the mirror and said, “You did it, girl!” It feels good to push yourself. It’s comforting to know that God is watching and walking with me in all my doubts and confusion. When He’s pushing me out of my comfort zone (physically, spiritually, and mentally) it actually begins to feel like wind beneath me, blowing a fresh breeze of revival into my soul.
LIVE BOLDER
When I get my footing after going deeper and pushing harder, I find that the goal is to walk a new way. To see the world around me in a new light. I have a purpose and specific assignments that God has designed for me to fulfill. He has given me a new perspective on everything and it’s exciting. Armed with the truth of His Word infused into my story I’m ready to take steps of obedience I never thought I was brave enough to say YES to before.
THE CHALLENGE
It goes without saying that the culture we live in gets more challenging by the day. It’s never been more important to know why we believe what we believe. It’s critical that we know how to study the Bible and to make it our absolute authority for truth. And here’s the great news: God does not play hide and seek. He is all about seeking and finding. Jeremiah 29:13 says “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” There are folks in our path every day that need to see light, to feel some hope, and to find freedom in Christ. God doesn’t have to use us, but He wants to use us. Are you ready?
HE WANTS US TO BE STRONGER
Why don’t you think about joining us at stronger.? We are curating an experience that will have you jumping off mountains, going deeper into God’s Word, and challenging your mind, body, and spirit. God’s written a unique story for your life. Are you living it? Because you only have one. We’d love to have your story intersect ours for a few days and see what amazing things God surprises you with. There’s no doubt He wants us to be stronger. for the next chapters to come. Come on. YOLO! 😉 We’ll see you on the mountain.
Betsy Langmade is an Event Coordinator for women’s events at Lifeway. She is passionate about the ministry of events and serving the women who attend them. Married to her best friend, Betsy enjoys spending all of her free time with her husband, their adult kids, and their growing families.