A couple years ago at a local Christian school, I met a 17 year old student named Patrick. He was quiet, laid back and seemed to go out of his way to avoid drawing attention. It was interesting to watching the other kids interact with Patrick. Everyone seemed to have something to tell him or a story to pass along to him. He never seemed too busy to listen and always focused on whoever was pressing him for attention.
This is not to say that Patrick was a natural talent at anything. In fact, he seemed to require more effort when it came to school work. I suspect Patrick's secret power was work ethic and persistence. Many great men have accomplished amazing feats with these same two attributes.
What was interesting was the transformation that took place when you put a microphone in front of him. Patrick would become focused and forget his timid nature. His natural leadership qualities began to bleed out when he stepped in front of a group and led them in worship. This is a God given ability that has a divine purpose.
Fast-forward one year. Patrick is in his first year old Bible College. His work ethic and persistence are keeping him headed toward fulfilling his dreams.
Today Patrick showed up back at his alma-mater Christian school during spring break. I asked him if he would co-teach my Bible class with me. He quickly agreed and grabbed his well worn Bible.
Our Bible class of about 15 high school guys was absolutely amazing. Patrick started the class off with a overview of his college experience and his impressions of his classes. Each of the 15 young men were attentive and respectful.
Finally he gave the class back to me and I invited Patrick to help me teach Joshua chapter 1. Joshua was a young leader that was replacing Moses as leader of the Hebrew nation. Chapter 1 is God explaining to the young man what he needed to do to succeed.
Patrick would talk about a principle he learned in his Bible study class and I would give him a practical application on how it applied to the verse in front of us.
I watched Patrick move from a college kid with a head knowledge of how to use some basic Bible principles to a young man that realized the God given practical application that impacts lives for God.
How cool is that?
Once someone experiences the hand of God moving in such a powerful way -- they are forever changed. Never again will Patrick be satisfied with the success offered by this world. He has began a quest where God will require nothing less than everything he is -- everything he ever will be. Only in walking with God will Patrick find peace and strength.
"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
Romans 12:2
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
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