Hidden With Christ
Last night, a group of 53 of us arrived back home with sore muscles, sleep deprived bodies, sandy clothes, partially lost voices, deeper friendships, and high spirits because of the time we were able to spend with the Lord and one another at High School Spring Retreat!
The focus of our retreat had to do with the topic of identity. The question, “Who am I?”, is one of the most important questions someone could ask themselves what you believe about yourself will influence every part of your life. Research shows us that our identity is shaped not by taking a closer look inward but in how we interact with the world around us, and we have a decision of whether we will listen to the world around us or to our Creator. Even if someone was able to take hold of the greatest treasures of this world and make them a part of who they are, our earthly identity is temporary and will never fully satisfy. In contrast, who we are in Christ is far more precious than anything this world can offer, and it is eternally secure! We have two options, we can either experience an identity crisis or find our identity in Christ.
At retreat, we spent some extended periods of time meditating on six promises of our position in Christ Jesus. These are statements that I was taught and memorized when I was in high school, and I have been eager to share them with our students. My goal for the weekend is that we would marvel in who Christ says we are, and we would recognize there is no greater treasure than being hidden with Him (Col. 3:3).
I AM:
- Deeply Loved by God
- Completely Forgiven
- Fully Pleasing
- Powerfully Equipped
- Totally Accepted
- Complete in Christ
Would you please join me in praying that these truths will become more of a reality in each of our students’ lives as they transition into their lives back home? My prayer and desire are that each of the students who attended retreat this weekend would be able to confidently hold to the reality of who they are in Christ when they stand before our Lord one day in eternity!
Jacob Abrahamson
Youth Pastor