Radical Faith (Teen Reach Theme for 2025)
By Serena Howell
Themes keep us focused and moving forward. At Teen Reach, this means keeping our Big Heavenly Audacious Goal (BHAG) in front of us, reminding us that our VISION 2032 is not so overwhelming, but achievable in steps.
What is Radical Faith?
It’s a deepening of faith and an audacious belief in the unseen work and goodness of God through:
Studying God’s word.
Practicing humility and strength as we struggle through our own sin and life struggles (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Practicing the fruits of the Spirit, asking ourselves daily: are they evident in my life?
1 – Our faith is deepened when we don’t lose hope, when we persevere.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV
2 – Our faith is deepened when we have conviction of things not seen.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
Radical Faith continues and even gets stronger in the valleys. Walking in a place of tension is vulnerable and stressful but can also be peaceful and hope-giving.
Our humility and belief in His perfect will takes us out of the equation to fix situations. We are helpless accept to cry out to an all-knowing God and humbled when He brings others into our lives who are in similar situations so we can listen, extend compassion, empathy and prayer.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
3 – Our faith is deepened when we study God’s word and consistently apply it to our lives.
When we immerse ourselves in God’s word, deepen our support for one another, we keep loving through the pain.
As we go into the camp season, I challenge each of us to complete an individual SWOT analysis. What are your God-given strengths that you bring to your team? Weaknesses? Opportunities? Threats or things that hold you back? I’d encourage you to look deeply beyond the obvious.
Write out a bold and outrageous prayer to God regarding how you’d like to see yourself grow this year.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses as you say in Hebrews 12:1-2, help us to throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles us. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on You, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For we know that the joy set before You, even as you endured the cross, Jesus, you were scorned in its shame, and then finally you sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We recognize your Godship in our lives Lord, and we confess that we can’t do it without you. We pray that you will sustain us daily. Grant us peace, wisdom, discretion and sustenance for our very souls.
I confess my total dependence on you, God.
I honor the truth Your word offers, wherever it may lead me.
Despite my selfishness and misguided motives, I desire and commit to doing good.
I desire to relate to others in a spirit of collaboration, transparency and trust.
I commit to pray before difficult conversations and improve my listening skills by asking for clarification.
I seek to serve others rather than desiring to be served.
I desire to be a generous steward of the time, money and energy you have bestowed upon me.
Amen and Amen!