28 Day Journey-Day Four

Thursday 12//08//05
4 Endurance

This is not a good time for a collegiate ministry like Passion to be launching a 28-Day journey of prayer. End of term projects have drained the laughter of days gone by and just over the horizon finals loom, the dread of those who have yet to buy the book or make it to class. So much cramming to do. So little time. But for even the most prepared, these days are filled with stress and pressure. So today, we want to pray for you.

At the end of the day, there is very little separation between the days of Passion06 and these. It's all life and worship, and it's our opportunity to show the world that Jesus is alive. And just as we pray God will meet us in power in Nashville, He is fully with now You wherever you are.

For some, this term might be lost. I don't say that to heap guilt on you (I personally flunked out of college, twice!), but to be realistic. Your chance to glorify God academically might have to wait until another day. But whether you're about to pull down shimmering A's or something in between, the way you approach your school work is one of your best chances to magnify Him.

A lot of people on your campus will never hear of Passion, but will be moved by seeing someone who has found God to be enough on the academic journey. I learned that the hard way, trying to serve as a youth pastor while stinking up the classroom and being a terrible reflection of my Father. Yet, in his mercy I got a second chance and got to see His power come to life within as I successfully squeezed my last two years into four quarters. It was His life at work in me.

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20.

So, breathe deeply today-you belong to Majesty and He is living in you.
Trust Him, not for the next two weeks, but the next two minutes. And keep doing that over and over until you arrive in Nashville.
Do your very best. You might not be able to change a C into and A before finals are over, but don't let that stop you from doing every single thing you do as though you are doing it for Him. Because you are.
Notice that He is there every second. Catch His gaze. Ask for His help. Give Him a smile.
Encourage someone else. A short text or voice mail might be all they need to recover hope and run for the finish.

Today's prayer: Lord, thank You for being in everything. In the papers, the projects, the exams. I am spent and weary, but I know You are endless supply. Power me with the life of Jesus as I walk through these final days. Give me the grace to endure. And be glofified as I seek to do all I do for You. I'm hanging on to You Jesus. Live Your life in me.

And Father, we pray for every student, asking that You would cause them to know Your presence in the midst of little sleep and lots of stress. Thank You for the grace You give every minute of the day. You are more than enough. For Jesus' name, Amen.

"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