We are in week 2 of our series The Adventure of You. Last weekend, Lead Pastor Ben Snyder taught the story of Rahab and how her faith led to action. She stepped into the challenges that presented themselves and trusted that God would save her and her family. She acted with BOLD faith believing that God would protect her.

Like Rahab, many of us have raised our hand, volunteering for something we didn’t understand. Something that was new, different, and definitely outside our comfort zones. And with some reflection, often we come to the realization that it may not have been our plan, but it certainly fit into God’s.

I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a teacher. But I was only four weeks into my first college education class when I realized that my public speaking anxiety was going to be a detriment. On the advice of a counselor, I switched majors and, eventually, universities to pursue a career as a computer systems analyst, which better fit my personality.

Fast forward several years, a husband, and three children—I volunteered to be the PTA president of my children’s school. In this capacity, I attended meetings with other district leaders and was exposed to district-wide problems and decision making. Eventually, my role led me to become a member of the Board of Education. As a school board member, I gained knowledge of academics, funding, policy, and district operations. I also became aware of the roles that the community, state, and federal governments play in education. After my service, I was asked to become a member of a board that sponsored charter schools across the state. Gaining additional knowledge, I found differences and similarities between the two types of educational systems, yet a common purpose to educate children.

During each transition, I found myself doubting my abilities and questioning if I was in the right place. Time and time again, I realized that although I had failed at my original plan to become a classroom teacher, God trusted me with more. No way was this path in my plans, but God has shown me that I matter. And I can hardly wait to see what’s next!

Learning about Rahab has reinforced my belief that sin doesn’t interfere with God’s willingness to use you to advance his kingdom. No matter what you’ve done, God wants you and recognizes your importance. God  never gives up on you or discards you. God wants you to have an important role in his plan. Are you ready for the Adventure he has for you?

Isaiah 43:19
“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Questions:
Has there been a time in your life when you felt like you didn’t matter? Did you come to the realization that God had a plan for you? Do you understand that an inconvenience is a door, not a dead end?

Next Steps:
Step outside your comfort zone. Don’t make the mistake of doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Make a change.

As Michael Jackson’s song “Man in the Mirror” says,

I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change

Do something. Educate yourself. Help someone. Be kind. Believe that you matter to God.

Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me to CedarCreek and to the realization that no matter how I’ve sinned, you have a plan for me. I matter to you. Amen.

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This post was written by Pam Haynam. Pam is a writer for the LivingItOut Bible Study and a cook for the weekend worship band. She has a passion for education having served her community on a district school board and is currently serving on a board that sponsors charter schools across the state. She and her husband have three grown children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and five grandsons.

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Check out the Latest LivingItOut Podcast

The LivingItOut Podcast is released every Wednesday morning. It discusses key takeaways and principles from the weekend message. Listen to the weekly podcast in your car, during your lunch break, or any other time that works for you. You can find the latest podcast here.

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Leave a Comment?

We would love to hear how the LivingItOut is making a difference in your life. Let us know how today’s post inspired, challenged, or encouraged you by leaving a comment here.

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Printable version of this week’s LIO study:

Click Here

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More Resources

Series Theme Verses
LivingItOut Podcast
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John Reading Plan

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Though our life adventures start at birth, I think my adventure began in earnest when I started graduate school. I went to a private Christian college, and through many prayers in the night, bumps in my path, and shed tears, I discovered occupational therapy. It was perfect for me. It required a master’s degree, so I finished my BA in psychology and happily packed my bags for the Glass City. As my parents drove away, I felt utterly alone and afraid. I knew virtually no one in this city. I prayed, called my mom all the time, and read my Bible for comfort.

I knew that God had placed me in this school for the time, but I was ready to leave Toledo before I had even started. I was so lonely. I was desperate to find a community. I went from a private Christian school surrounded by godly friends with professors who prayed in class to a secular school all alone. I had one contact that invited me to her church. It was small and awkward, and she rarely attended, so I felt alone and out of place. I found another church, but it left much to be desired as well. The message was good, but there was no one my age to connect with. Through much of my first year of graduate school, I floated between the two churches but never felt at home.

Finally, almost out of desperation, I recalled what my acquaintance had said about CedarCreek. She said some students really liked it, but it was big and different than most churches. My thought when deciding to attend CedarCreek was, “If I’m going to be ignored, I would rather be ignored in a big church.”

During my first service, someone sat next to me, and I wanted to cry. Everyone was very kind, and I felt so welcome. The church offered Groups for guests that were post-college aged, and I filled out a card to connect with one. A couple weeks later, I was attending a Bible study led by my future husband and found a network of people that soon became the friends I needed to pull me through the next five years.

Fast forward 10 years: I was working full time at a job that I enjoyed, pregnant with my fourth child, and trying to decide what to do with my career. I had devoted so much time and energy to obtaining my degree, but with soon-to-be four children (5 and younger), I could barely keep up with the part-time schedule I was working. Around the same time, my husband and I decided that homeschooling our children would be the best option for our family. I had absolutely no intention of homeschooling when I began having children, but it suddenly seemed like the only option. I quit my job and became a full-time mother. We began our homeschooling journey out of fear, but gradually, it has morphed into a place of blessing and beauty.

I am still in what many call “in the thick of it,” homeschooling five children ranging in ages from 10 down to almost three. However, I can see how God has taken me one step at a time through the events of my life that have begun to unfold my story. Each of the defining moments of my life were bathed in tears, steeped in Scripture, and covered in prayer. I felt lost at each of these life milestones, and sometimes, I felt paralized with fear.

What if I was making the wrong decision? What would happen if I need to go back to work someday? What if I don’t teach my children everything they need to know?

When these fears flood my mind, the verse that brings me comfort is Matthew 6:33.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well.”

I know that as long as I am seeking after God, he will provide for my every need. He will direct my path. He will provide for my family.

Questions:
As you look back over your life, what has gotten you through the difficult times?

When approaching a trial, where do you turn?

Do you have a verse that reminds you of God’s faithfulness?

Next Steps:
If you do not have a verse memorized that helps you through the difficult times find one. Matthew 6:25-34 are rich with promises and great places to start.

We want to hear the story of what God’s doing in your life! Go to CedarCreek.tv/adventure for more information on how to share your story. It could be used to inspire others – and, when you share your story, you’ll be entered to WIN some adventurous prizes!

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for leading me along paths that stretch me and make me fall on my knees before you. Thank you for the comfort found in your word and through prayer. Open my eyes to the ways you are orchestrating my life to create a heart fully devoted to you. Help me not to despair when it looks like things are falling apart around me but remain steadfast in your never-ending love. Amen.

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This post was written by Julie Mabus. Julie has a passion for thinking about big ideas, art, reading, and seeing God reveal himself through creation. She is married and is homeschooling her five young children.

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Check out the Latest LivingItOut Podcast

The LivingItOut Podcast is released every Wednesday morning. It discusses key takeaways and principles from the weekend message. Listen to the weekly podcast in your car, during your lunch break, or any other time that works for you. You can find the latest podcast here.

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Leave a Comment?

We would love to hear how the LivingItOut is making a difference in your life. Let us know how today’s post inspired, challenged, or encouraged you by leaving a comment here.

---

Want to be a part of the LivingItOut team?

We are always looking for people who are passionate about writing and proofing to serve on the LivingItOut team. If you are interested, email LIO@cedarcreek.tv today!

---

Printable version of this week’s LIO study:

Click Here

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More Resources

Series Theme Verses
LivingItOut Podcast
RightNow Media
John Reading Plan

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