An Open Letter to High School Girls
August 20th, 31e by Brett Wagner
Girls, in case you did not receive this letter on Sunday, here is a copy of Annie’s letter to the girls in our high school group. It is more or less a back to school exhortation along with Annie’s own insights. [guys, the exhortation is a great reminder for us too!]
Dear High School Girls,
Well, at this point most of you have already started a new school year and some are getting very close. What a busy summer it has been! I don’t know about you, but I feel like I haven’t had two moments to think this summer and I can’t believe the school year is here once again. However, I do love this time of year and I am looking forward to getting back into routine, the cool weather that is right around the corner, the days getting shorter (more sleep) and the excitement of something new. This new season will mean a new school for some, new friends for others and hopefully for most of us, a renewed perspective.
If you are like me I start out so strong at the beginning of a season with serious intentions to get up early, spend time with Jesus, exercise, you know, really use my time wisely. But as I reflect back on the summer, I see that all my good intentions fell so short! Yet at the same time, I can see the faithfulness of God alive in my life. He has carried me. His word has sustained me. My best efforts have failed, yet He has remained, as He always does, THE SAME! His love, His faithfulness, His grace, His mercy, His word always remains constant. I am humbled, in all my changing, at just how steadfast He truly is.
“In light of who He is” is the phrase I want to encourage you with. To live in the light of who He is, every day, one day at a time. It is a phrase that consistently challenges me as a Christian, as a wife and as a mother. I am such an all or nothing kind of person. You know how it works, “if I don’t read my bible and pray every day, then why bother.” But I am learning to take it one day at a time and I pray you are too. I find that it is so easy for me to get caught up in what I am going to do this year. Spend time with Jesus everyday, take opportunities to share the gospel, set a good example, (you know all those things), that when I fail, (and it is usually by the 3rd day), it is such a disappointment that it takes me weeks to get back up. And the cycle goes on. I think the big problem with this is ME. It is MY striving, MY resolve to do these things. Rather than living each day in light of who I am, I must meet each day “in light of who HE is.” What we need is Jesus. Just more of Him, falling in love with Him again or maybe for the first time.
One opportunity we all have to know Jesus is through times of fellowship and worship. I encourage you to make it a priority to get where the Word of God is going forth and His praises are being lifted up. And if you are one that HAS to be there (because your parents make you), why not make the best of it and seek Jesus? He loves you; He was crucified for you and deserves praise.
And so my challenge to myself and to you this new school year is Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Let’s take this new school year along with all of our desires for it, and decide with Paul to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I don’t know what that will look like for each of us, but as we make knowing Him are one goal I am certain we will be changed, because of Him and who He is.
I know that this time in your life is difficult and is full of big decisions everyday. Know that God is on your side and is for you. “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.” (Psalm 118:6-7) Not only is He for you, but so are we. Brett, myself and all those God has placed in the High School Ministry, we are for you, we love you, we are praying for you. I am excited for this new year as I know God is going to do great and mighty things through each of you as you take those steps each day to KNOW HIM!
All my love and prayers,
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