Live The Adventure!
Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, towering 12,380 feet above sea level. The active volcano’s perfect conical shape, covered in snow most of the year, makes its appearance iconic — and irresistible to summer activities.
Most climbers start the trek up Mt. Fuji in the dark, hoping to reach the summit before sunrise. Outfitted with climbing gear and headlamps, the large numbers of hikers create a continual river of light illuminating the path to the volcano’s summit. When they reach the summit after a long and sometimes difficult climb, the sunrise and views waiting for them are mind-blowing.
Life’s Adventures with Christ
When you asked Jesus into your heart, you embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. Your walk with God is the most incredible adventure you can ever have. And what’s even better is that you don’t have to go on that adventure alone. You have the ultimate adventure partner in Him, and He will bring along others with whom you can share the journey.
Think of your walk with God as a climb to the top of a mountain like Mt. Fuji. First of all, you never quite know what’s around the next corner. God is the only one who has read the trail map; as long as you stick with Him, you won’t get lost. There are surprises, belly laughs, a few tears, and stunning vistas along the climb. Some stretches of the trail are challenging and leave you panting for air. Others make you dodge wildlife or crawl through canyons. But if you keep going and trust God to lead you on the right path, you will reach the summit: the ultimate place to watch the Son shine.
Let Your Light Shine
Our journeys and adventures in life are unique, but the beautiful part about the hike is that we are never alone. Do you remember the song “This Little Light of Mine?”
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Did you know that your light isn’t all that little? A single flashlight can be seen for miles in clear weather conditions in the darkness. God fills us with His holiness and His light so that we can be a guiding light to others and point them to Him. One single light can be incredibly bright. Jesus says in Matthew 5:15-16, “Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Just like the headlamps of the hikers climbing Mt. Fuji illuminate the path for the other hikers around them, the way we show God’s love to others will point them toward Christ. When life’s adventures seem tough and the night seems dark, remember that God has brought others to surround you and help you along the way. “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). So be sure to shine your light!
Adventure with Attitude
How you approach your walk with God will make all the difference. What attitude do you choose to have going into this adventure? Are you dragging your feet like a reluctant hiker? Or are you bouncing up the trail with enthusiasm? Are you planning out your adventure to the tiniest detail and creating strict expectations for how everything should turn out? Do you get bent out of shape when the trail takes an unexpected turn, or something doesn’t go to plan? Or do you have an attitude of being excited about the things that could be around the next bend?
Your attitude will not only impact how you experience God’s blessings throughout your life, but it will make a difference in how you can be a light and blessing to others. Think of your attitude as your battery for your headlamp. A positive attitude and obedience to Christ keep those batteries charged and the light pouring out.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Summer is one of the best times to start a new adventure and share your light with others. This year, choose to go on an adventure that will get you out of the house, make a difference in the lives of others, and that will share the love of Jesus.
Have fun with it and invite Jesus to walk alongside you as you choose one of these options below to do. Ask His Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and guidance and make you stronger as you exercise your faith.
Jump into one of our five summer challenges below and make the most of your summer.
1. Attend or Serve a Vacation Bible School.
This summer, check out a Vacation Bible School near you. Many churches have VBS programs for teens, and they can be a great way to learn God’s Word in a fun, new way. Vacation Bible School can be a great place to make new friends and encourage them in their relationship with Christ.
If the churches in your area don’t have a program for teens, think about volunteering at a Vacation Bible School. You can volunteer to teach or help in various aspects of the program, including serving snacks, helping with crafts, joining the music team, or helping with behind-the-scenes projects. Volunteering at a VBS is a great way to be a mentor to younger kids, and you will find that teaching others helps you grow too.
2. Attend a Church Retreat
Check out what church retreats are happening this summer and plan to attend one. There may be some right there in the town where you live, or you could plan to go to one in a different part of the state or country. There are many great getaway locations for church retreats. Some retreats are exclusively for teenagers, and some have a topic or skill they focus on throughout the retreat.
These retreats combine fun and adventure, meeting new friends, opportunities to serve one another, and time spent worshipping God. Retreats like this allow you to break out of your daily habits and routine, which, in turn, helps you experience things in a new light. Church retreats allow you time to dig into the Word of God, spend time in prayer, and discover unique aspects of God’s character.
3. Go on a Short-Term Missions Trip
This summer, go on a short-term missions trip. Check to see if your church or a Christian organization is planning one. You don’t have to go across the world to find a mission field — people need to hear about Jesus right there in your town. If you can go to a new city or travel abroad, summer is a great time to do it. Going on missions trips further afield will help open your eyes to new cultures and life circumstances and allows you to come alongside them, help them, and share the Word of God with them. Without people who serve on missions trips, many people would not otherwise hear the name of Jesus.
4. Join or Start a Good Cause of Your Own
Find a good cause that you are passionate about and that you can be a part of this summer. Many causes have great organizations supporting them and have many events that you can volunteer at or be a participant. If there is a cause near to your heart that no one is doing, put together an event or fundraiser to champion that cause. Get your friends involved if you would like, and develop a way to advertise your cause. Some ideas to get you started might be car washing to cure cancer or lawn mowing for leukemia.
5. Join or Start a Bible Study.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Participate in a Bible study this summer. You will probably find some great studies and small groups happening at your church. If you want to start your own with peers from school or the community, you can do that too.
Summertime is perfect for studying a figure from the Bible and what their life’s adventures looked like. How did they overcome challenges and disappointment? What did God do in their lives to make the adventure complete? Make sure that your study is consistent and that the people are committed. Be authentic and encourage each other as you share life’s adventures together.
Tell Us How it Went!
The Bring Your Bible team wants to know what challenge you chose and what adventures you had this summer. Send us your thoughts and be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
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