#livelikeaustin
Austin isn’t here anymore to imitate Jesus Christ,
but we are. This is our moment.
but we are. This is our moment.
Austin gave his testimony on March 22, 2017 to hundreds of other teenagers at Watermark Community Church. Listen to his own words.....
www.watermark.org/message/4799
1 Comment
What does rejoicing everyday look like? How is that something I can maintain?
If God gives me success then He does, but either way, that’s not the focus. Paul says he has found contentment in all settings, in riches and in poverty. It is my job to lead my family and live my life in such a way that I can show them and teach them that loving God is loving Him in poverty and in riches. The Lord will take care of me. Job shows that wisdom knows that evil doesn’t last, it is unsustainable. In my nature, my foolish nature, I speculate…wanting, thinking, wishing to know the future. Not only is this fruitless, but unproductive. However harmless, there is no good in it. Goodness is found in rejoicing in God’s love and the freedom, the freedom in knowing what that means. Lord help me to remember the feeling of You when I am tempted. Keep me focused on my purpose for You. My goal this summer is to rejoice in You every morning. Give me opportunities and fill me with Your words in these moments. My work for You is not about creating a resume, but the true desire to show people what You have shown me. Amen First of all, Austin was a normal teenager. He was not perfect...just ask his brother and sister. He had begun to turn the corner to become a man, but he was not 100% ready to leave his childhood behind. He was studious, he loved tennis and Wranglers, he enjoyed his friendships, and he loved horsing around.
At the base level, he was a person of faith. That is what fueled him. What does that mean? For us, it means he was... Redeemed - He knew his Savior, and he sought his identity in Christ Served - He knew helping others was part of his walk Intentional - He lived his life on purpose, and he was ready for the challenge Discipler - He desired to help others grow closer to God Relational - He engaged with others to encourage and enjoy each other Although in future blog, I'll dive deeper, it could be summed up as in the greatest two commandments.... “And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'” - Matthew 22:37-39 NASB Losing Austin is hard. He and I laughed, played hard, wrestled, talked a lot, worked alongside each other, etc. As a parent, I never want to lose sight of those things, but it's God had a greater purpose for him beyond my dreams for him. I must admit I don't understand it yet. God help me to live like Austin in these difficult days. http://www.watermark.org/blog/austin-silvas-full-life |