Rite of Passage
I just returned from four days in the Black Rock Desert region of Nevada. For those of you unfamiliar with this location, our party of twenty four individuals consisting of eight adult men and 16 teen age guys camped about 25 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada. Gerlach is only famous for one thing…The Burning Man events. For the record…this little trip had nothing to do with the infamous Burning Man…although I would admit that I felt thoroughly burned after four days of: 100 degree temperatures, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, not enough water, too much hiking, motorcycle and quad riding, rattle-snakes, scorpions and of course very little shade. (I am very grateful for the inventor of the EZ-Up).
This yearly event to Black Rock has been named the Rite of Passage. Most every culture has some tradition that is used to identify when a young man is to be considered an adult. Our focus during this time is not so much upon traditional physical markers that may be used within our culture to define manhood, but upon the spiritual markers that help define when a young man of God becomes a mature man of God. When the “childish things are put away”. It was a great opportunity to speak of the value of living Intentionally for Him and others, of accepting responsibility for your own decisions and working past difficult challenges for the sake of accomplishing the goal set before you. In his letter to the Philippian church (2:12-14) Paul urged the believers to “press on to toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.”
For some of these young men this event marked the first time they have been exposed to a true physical challenge or participated in some activity that seemed risky. Others felt inadequate to accomplish certain tasks set before them. Some simply experienced a little of deprivation for the first time. Every year a new challenge is provided for those who return. This year we climbed a peak named Division. There are different stories as to why it was named such…but from my perspective it is because there is division of opinion as to how to ascend. Division Peak is about 8,300 ft. at the top. It is certainly no Mt. Everest and climbing equipment is not needed, but in 100 degree heat with steep elevations one really has to push to make it to the top. (For the record…I was number 18 out of 24 climbers) I think I would have done better but my son raced off in front and took most of the water!!!! That is my story and I am sticking to it.
After struggling to the top, over many different routes of ascent we experienced that sense of accomplishment. The view was incredible view. We had the opportunity to discuss with the young men the value of facing challenges head on. We spoke with them of pushing past those feelings of inadequacy that Satan loves to throw in our path. In 2 Corinthians 2:16 Paul asks the question that we all struggle with from time to time: “Who is adequate for these things?” I wonder…have you ever avoided serving the Lord in ways that challenge your comfort zone? If so, you have likely missed a tremendous opportunity to overcome and grow. In verse 14 He promised to lead us “in triumph in Christ,” but unless we believe Him and step up and out in faith, we’ll never experience the life He has planned for us.
Feeling inadequate for a task is not a sin, but using it as an excuse to not step out and up just may be. Be prepared men…God will challenge you to do things that you feel are beyond your abilities. When He does, you have two options. You can focus on Christ and proceed in triumph one step at a time or focus on self and withdraw in defeat. It is really a matter of faith. God would never ask you to do something without empowering you to accomplish it. This does not mean you will do it perfectly (you may be number 18 out of 24) but each step of obedience is a victory. The alternative is to play it safe, but you just may miss out on a great 360 view that will take your breath away.
