THRIVE YOUTH IS BACK!

THRIVE YOUTH IS BACK! So you’re wondering how is THRIVE YOUTH back? I thought it was always here. Well, you are right, but have you ever had one of those moments in your life where you go through a tough season? Maybe seasons where you struggle to get motivated or feel like things are not going the way you hoped they would? 
I feel like THRIVE YOUTH has been going through one of those seasons. We have had our ups and downs, we waited patiently for a new room, and we even lost some people. Maybe as a youth pastor I should not say this type of thing, but I believe it is good to always be upfront and honest about everything. Even those reading this that are on the outside looking in, need to know what we are about. What are we about? Simple. Jesus all the way! We are about putting Him as our Number 1 priority. We are about going above and beyond for Him. We are about standing up for what we believe in. We are about living out our faith out and helping anyone we come into contact with. 
You see many of us are going through really difficult circumstances in life, things that are completely out of our control, and they're tough to deal with sometimes. A lot of times those types of situations can affect whether or not we choose to follow Jesus. Whether we choose to even come to church at all. 
I recently went through a tough season in my life. Not a season of not wanting to come to church but a season of wondering if God was really hearing my prayers. I’m not saying that I’m completely out of it, but I’m not going to be defeated either. Satan wants to defeat you by tearing you down and putting obstacles in your way to keep you from God’s will. I heard this quote the other day and it really hit me. 
“Satan knows your name, but he calls you by your sin. Jesus knows your sin, but He calls you by your name." 
Jesus is calling each one of you right now BY YOUR NAME. You have an identify in Christ. Don’t let Satan steal that from you, don’t let him destroy your identity and cause you to stay in a low place of discouragement. Get out of that place. 
My challenge for you today is to be a part of something, whether or not that is THRIVE YOUTH is your choice, but most importantly get back to seeking after God and watch where you will go next. Pull out your Bible and read it and pray and talk to God. 
Remember we at THRIVE are always here for you and want to be a part of your life. THRIVE YOUTH IS BACK, and if you don’t believe us, just come join us on a Wednesday night and see our new space and let's go after God TOGETHER. 
Youth Pastor - Ryan Brooks