The 30-Day No Freak-Out Challenge

Published on July 14, 2008 by John

While Damon and James -- with families in tow -- were winding their way back west, I've been out here in northern California filling in for a pastor friend of mine while he took his family on a much-needed vacation. It's been a wonderful time for me to be alone with God, think about the future, plan some writing projects and just take a break from all the things that will begin filling my schedule again when I get home Tuesday night.

I've done a three-part series up here called "Contents Under Pressure". It was really just some stuff I needed to get up and talk about. It worked out that other folks needed to hear me talk about it! It's been therapeutic for me and, I think, helpful for them.

I wrapped up yesterday's message with what I've called "The 30-Day No Freak-Out Challenge" -- not the most poetic title I've ever come up with, but it seemed to resonate with lots of folks. In fact, I'd like to extent this little challenge to all of you at River Park Community Church as well. Here's the deal:

Jesus, when he lived here on earth, was often very busy. He had a lot to do, and he had arguably the most important job ever. And, when he thought about what he would have to face in the crucifixion, he actually said, "That distresses me" (see Luke 12:49-50).

But -- this is where Jesus is unlike many of us -- he never allowed his stress to hinder his relationships or become an excuse for irresponsible behavior.

How was he able to do this?

We see a pattern emerge in Jesus' life -- a rhythm of work and rest, community and solitude, service and prayer. In fact, earlier in the same book, Luke tells us what I think may be Jesus' secret: "He often withdrew to lonely places to pray."

Can you guess what the key word is in that sentence? I think it is the word "often".

He didn't wait until he was about to explode to get away. He didn't wait for a lull in the action. He didn't wait "until things settle down" to withdraw. He did it early (according to Mark 1:35), and he did it often.

So, here's the challenge: What if everyone who is a part of the RPCC launch & support teams made this a habit for the next 30 days? What might happen in our relationships? What might happen in our homes and in our workplaces?

Here's what I suspect might happen: Things will continue to go wrong at times. We'll continue to have many of the same struggles as everyone else. Financially. Vocationally. Relationally. But -- here will be the biggest change -- we won't be freaked out by things. In fact, we'll experience an inexplicable sense of peace in spite of our circumstances. That is, after all, what we're promised (see Philippians 4:6-7).

And that might be just the kind of thing some of your unchurched friends and neighbors are looking for: a church full of people who experience hard times just like everyone else but refuse to freak out.

So, how about it? Are you up for the challenge? Carve out a block of time each day to spend alone with your heavenly Father and see if the promise is true.