Relentless Youth Ministries

Growing Under Pressure "Without change there is no growth. A seed cannot grow into a plant without going through a process of changes, neither can a baby become an adult without going through years of change. It is no different for us as adults. Change does not stop for us physically (as those of us seeing some wrinkles and sagging skin can tell you!) and neither does it stop for us emotionally and spiritually. There are many ways that we can encourage growth in ourselves, s...uch as reading the Bible, listening to teachings, and spending time with the Lord. Other ways that growth can occur in us, whether we want it or not, is through external pressure, or changes in our environment. Rather than resisting change, or questioning it, let us use it for the growth God intended. Let us ask the Lord, how He would like to use this for our good, and how we can grow through this. Is there something in our heart He wants to deal with? Often under pressure things come out that we did not even know were there. As the Apostle Paul says, testing produces perseverance, character and hope. Take heart and remember that this time of discomfort will pass, and that we live for an unseen eternal glory. " *2 Corinthians 4:17-18 You Version: Navigating Through Constant Change

Daily Mercies "When everything around us is changing, we can feel lost and confused. I went through a time of so much change once, that I felt like I was a beautifully packed suitcase, that someone had shaken and just tossed out on the floor. Everything was so all over the place I didn’t know what belonged, where it should go, or even if it could all get packed back. In times like this, we should remember that the Lord has made us with a Body, Soul and Spirit, and that all th...ree are important. What often helps is to implement some daily disciplines into your life, for each of these. You may have had them before or you may never have been very disciplined, but they will help you move forward. Without sounding like your mother, make sure that you eat properly and sleep properly. No one functions well with too little sleep, or not enough energy for the day. Another discipline may be some exercise, setting up a regular skype chat with a friend, or joining a church small group. Most importantly, spend time each morning with the Lord, and trust Him for strength for the day. His mercies are new every morning, so receive them! Don’t leave them on the sidelines and carry on in your own strength. What a waste! Who would run a marathon and not stop for the water breaks? Receive all that you have at your disposal as a child of God." *Isaiah 33:20 (You Version: Navigating Constant Change)

You Version- Navigating Through Constant Change Fear Not "One of the most difficult aspects of living as an expat in the Middle East, is navigating the constant change happening around us. Let’s be honest, Google maps has a hard time keeping up with all the road changes! One has to navigate the settling in phase making new friends, finding a home, a school and a church. There are the cultural differences - trying to understand or make oneself understood just to order a Mc...Donalds can be an art in itself! Often there is not just one new culture to deal with, but many, which includes different races, religions, languages and ways of doing things. Then, there is the constant movement of friends, the sad goodbyes, the knowing that for most of us this is a temporary situation. Lastly, there is living with the knowledge that should we lose our job or be transferred for any reason, our lives would be uprooted, having to relocate countries again. So much of this can cause fear and anxiety in us, but the Lord has told us that fear is not from Him. This is where we need to cling to Him and draw on His strength. Write down what is making you anxious and give this to the Lord. He is your Father, he loves you, and He wants you to cast your cares onto Him. Fear not, He has brought you here and He will not forsake you! " *Deuteronomy 31:6