Throughout our study of the book of Acts we saw countless examples of God using some very unique individuals to further His Kingdom. Through these stories it is easy to see God carries out his plan in such a different way. Unlike other areas in our life God does not wait for us to decide we are ready or that we have enough time to take on something else. See God has His own perfect plan, and I am reminded daily that his plan is far better than anything I could assemble on my own.  

Now this lesson is something much easier said than done, and I am as guilty of this as anyone. We constantly make excuses and find reasons to overlook some of the opportunities God is presenting to us. We let selfishness and pride get in the way and become our own biggest obstacle to spiritual growth. However the feeling that in my opinion is the biggest obstacle to growth is FEAR.

Over this past summer I had time to do some reflection and truly decide what goals I wanted to set for myself for my last year in college and determine what was truly going to be the most important to me. During my first three years I had become involved in more campus organizations and events than just about anyone. I was very proud of some of the things I have been able to accomplish, but I could not help to feel a little guilty. While there was great value and benefit from all the activities I had been involved in, I did not feel any of them were helping further God's Kingdom.

This feeling along with the fact my younger sister, Alexa, was getting ready to start at IUPUI in the fall started a fire within myself to lead a Bible Study to help freshmen with their spiritual transition in college. Prior to this point I had never led a Bible Study and had absolutely zero qualifications to lead a group. The great thing about our God though is He does not call us to be qualified, he simply calls us to trust in His plan. 

I learned a lot in my first time leading a Life Group. Something that was very uncomfortable for me at the beginning of the semester, slowly became something I feel is going to be an important part of my life for years to come. It was truly an escape from the craziness of the rest of my semester and a happy place I would not have wanted to go through the semester without. What I was most surprised by in leading a small group is that in leading a group you grow even more than those you are leading. During the semester I was able to strengthen my relationship with my sister and help her make God a part of her college experience. I was able to become the man I wanted to be, which helped me build a relationship with a girl who loved her savior even more than I did. Most of all this group helped to humble me and really keep my focus on God during my last year of college, and for that I am incredible grateful I was given this opportunity. 

In closing, do not ever let the fear of failure or lack of preparedness ever stop you from doing something to further God's Kingdom. I assure God will give you everything you need if you make yourself available to him. So whatever the next step is for you, I encourage you to do whatever it takes to go forward and to not look back. The reward will be far greater than that initial risk you are afraid of.

Zach Treon, VP of Fellowship