Scripture Study
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” — Acts 4:13
A Weekend Written by Him
Last weekend was the ECMEN Forged Men’s Retreat. It is the event that I, Amy, and others put the most time into preparing for, and it’s what we spend the most time praying over. It is always my number one prayer request to others leading up to the weekend. We even had a group of men who came early to pray over the building, and we prayed for every man attending by name.
While we are wrapping up a few things from this year, we’ve already started working on next year—and the year after that! I have already been praying over those as well.
This year’s retreat was such a blessing in so many ways. It’s honestly hard to explain; it’s something you must experience for yourself. I had so many men reach out and text me about how their lives were touched. I am in awe of the way God works at the retreat.
The men tell me thank you, but I cannot take any credit. God does so many things that I could never plan for. Without Him, the weekend would be a complete waste of time. Like one of our speakers said when I told him how well he did: “If it was good, it was God.”
I pray so hard for this retreat because I know that without Him, it would have no impact at all. If you were there and thought it was good—IT WAS GOD!
The Battle for Your Purpose
One of the speakers shared a line in his message that spoke directly to me:
“The battle is not for your soul, but for your purpose.”
If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the devil has already lost you. You belong to Jesus! Where the enemy tries to gain ground now is by keeping you from walking in your purpose.
Whether you believe it or not, God has a specific purpose for your life. If you are questioning God right now and wondering what that is, think about this: six years ago, ECMEN did not exist, and I had no idea God would have me leading a retreat with 130 men.
Years of Preparation Behind the Scenes
I think back on all the things that had to happen to get to this point:
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All the donors and board members
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A new staff member and dedicated volunteers
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Everyone who consistently prays for the ministry
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The men who meet with me to help me grow and encourage me when I feel fearful
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My family, and my wife who is right beside me through all the highs and lows, never letting me give up
God has been working on this for years. The time I have spent is nothing compared to the time and investment God has made in me—and I’m sure He’s done far more behind the scenes than I even realize.
I still don’t know everything the future holds. God is still working, I am still growing, and He has more for me to do.
Unschooled, Ordinary, and Used by God
He has more for you as well. You may feel “unschooled and ordinary,” but don’t let the enemy distract you from your calling. Just like God used Peter and John, right now He is putting things in place for you. He has been investing time in you all along.
If you are willing, He is able. Pray, spend time with Him, and lean into His strength and ability.
God wants to use you to build His Kingdom.
Have a great day in Christ,
Matt
