Sunday Reflection–Life’s Challenges

Before moving to Corrales, New Mexico Betty and I lived for 21 years in Loveland, Ohio which is a suburb of Cincinnati. Over the years we were involved in many different activities – our church (healing ministry, junior high youth group leaders, pastoral counseling), Cub and Boy Scouts (Betty was a Den Mother and I was a Scoutmaster for eight years), volunteers for a therapeutic riding facility and board member and supporters for Teen Challenge.

Teen Challenge is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for young men.  There are also programs for women, but the one in our area was just for men at the time.  The program is built around structure, responsibility, accountability and exposure to the healing power of God through Jesus Christ.  It’s not a coercive program, but Teen Challenge makes it clear that real healing and deliverance from drugs and alcohol comes from the power of God in a person’s life.

Every month Teen Challenge would have a dinner and often a graduation for one or more of its students.  It was always a time for celebration and hope.  We would attend as often as possible.

When a graduating student was introduced a recap of their experience at Teen Challenge was shared.  They were given a graduation certificate with one scripture verse on it that was always read:

Proverbs 3:5,6 -- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

It’s the fundamental verse for Teen Challenge and ever since I have been exposed to it I have claimed it as one of my life verses – one by which I try to live my life.

Trusting in the Lord, submitting all my ways to him and leaning not on my own understanding – it’s a challenge for anyone – but it’s worth it.