Seasons of Growth: Nurturing Your Faith Through Changeনমুনা

Day 3: A Time to Adapt

Biblical Focus: Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)

Introduction

What if moving isn't the right option? Would you be stuck in an infinite subtropical citrus loop like Olaolu discussed yesterday? What about when things happen outside of our control? I can relate.

The Move (Benjamin)

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged through Southeast Louisiana. My parents quickly evacuated us to a safe location. I assumed we were just evacuating for the weekend until my family enrolled us in school the following Friday in rural North Louisiana. I distinctly remember feeling like an outsider as we settled in and remained there for many years after we received the "all clear."

Years later, I returned to New Orleans to attend Loyola University New Orleans on a college basketball scholarship. I was nervous but excited to move from North Louisiana to return to where it all began! The coaches, faculty, staff, and student body welcomed me with open arms, and my college journey began. Everything seemed to be trending well until I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) twice and injured my Achilles (ruptured my Achilles tendon).

The facts were almost overwhelming: I was a college basketball player 300 miles from my family with season ending, and potentially career ending, injuries. The decision I was forced to make could have easily changed the trajectory of my life. Was it time to move?

A time to adapt.

After praying and consulting my parents, coaches, and faculty, I decided to stay. However, I had to make some changes given the nature of my injuries. It was obvious the adjustments would be uncomfortable because I've loved the game of basketball since I was a kid, but I was determined to thrive in this season instead of simply maintaining the status quo until my injuries healed.

That was easier said than done as I began to redefine my identity and understand my purpose. To begin, I studied ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬, "A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great." During my studies, I concluded that just as height, coordination, and athleticism are advantageous to those who are gifted in sports, perspective, comprehension, and communication cultivate the various gifts inside of you.

Perspective. I knew there were many opportunities that could arise during my college years; however, I was initially laser-focused on what my injuries stopped me from doing instead of focusing on how I could achieve my purpose in spite of my injuries. Changing my perspective was extremely challenging because I perceived that my gift of playing basketball is what created great opportunities. Thus, these insurmountable obstacles were stopping me from achieving my purpose in life… so I thought. It was hard to make sense of the whole situation.

Comprehension. My injuries placed me in a complex (and uncomfortable) situation. I instinctively knew that I needed to intensify my prayer life, meditate, and study. In doing so, I had a breakthrough revelation: Your gifts may open the door for you, but the conditions of the room you enter help produce the skills you need to grow your gifts. Though I didn't immediately know what to do next, I knew that I needed to focus on making an impact while off "the hardwood." That's when I recalled something my dad always told us, "Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy," and became immersed in serving others.

Communication. I shared my idea and desire to serve with my family, friends, coaches and faculty at Loyola; then, I began to actively seek volunteer opportunities. One opportunity led to another as my network grew, and I became more confident in my ability to achieve my purpose. I realized that my outlook on any given situation was based upon my experiences and relationships. As such, I was consistently refining my skills, opinions, and character as I connected with like-minded people who were in pursuit of their own purpose.

Become lost in service.

I strongly believe that our ability to adapt to change is driven by our willingness to think less about ourselves and more about serving others, regardless of where we are in life. Too often, we get so consumed with our own problems that we lose focus on our true purpose. That loss of focus causes us to stagnate, and like standing water, we attract bacteria and parasites that suck life (i.e. time, resources, energy, etc.) out of us with no replenishment or fulfillment.

I felt myself lose focus after my injuries. Initially, even when faced with an opportunity to serve others, I determined that I was there to play basketball, so that was someone else's responsibility. Thereby, I justified my inaction by asserting that I was fulfilling my purpose by other means. That reminds me of the parable Jesus shares in Luke 10:30-37. Jesus tells a story about a Jewish man who was attacked, robbed, stripped of his clothing, and left for dead on the side of the road. Soon after, a priest and a temple worker passed by without taking action. However, a "despised Samaritan" felt compassion and took action.

Take action.

Sometimes, we mistake God's command to remain where we are as a command to take no action at all. Conversely, God charges us to actively serve and build His Kingdom. To do so, we have to resist the urge to avoid problems by justifying inaction. Many of us may see an opportunity to serve, feel and/or relate to the person in need, and walk right by them just like the priest and temple worker in Jesus' parable. Sympathy (or pity) may lead to empathy (or shared feelings), but compassion (or desire to help) leads to action. By taking action, we grow closer to God, learn more about who we are, and change (or adapt) to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

I want to encourage you that no matter the circumstance, you can adapt and excel. You are where you are for a reason, and you will grow by serving others. Don't get fixated on the list of things you cannot do or obsessed with the hypotheticals; instead, focus on your growth and achieving the things you can achieve. Become immersed in service to others, relentlessly pursue your passion and purpose, and remain patient (Psalms 27:14).

Three-Day Wrap up

Whether it's time to move or time to adapt, we must remain committed to God, because He has positioned us to achieve great things! ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭9:11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ tells us that, "The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time."

Embrace this moment. Remain consistent in your pursuit of His purpose. Be disciplined in the execution of the daily actions (or habits) that align with your overall purpose. You are in the right place at the right time, and with God's help, you will achieve great things this season (Philippians 4:13)!

Let us pray.

Father, thank You for the opportunity to grow regardless of the season I am in. I recognize that You have remained consistent through the ups and downs; therefore, I am grateful. Please help me to adopt an attitude like Christ that will allow me to become more interested in helping others and focused on pursuing Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Continue the Discussion:

1. In what ways have you positively adapted to your current environment?
2. What service will you provide to those around you in pursuit of your purpose?