City Life Starter

Written by Stefan Johnsson

The Word

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

³³ I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Reflection

Following the completion of my undergraduate studies, God called me into ministry for a couple years where I became a servant-leader to at-risk teenagers at a boarding school. It was one of the most difficult and emotionally draining times of my life, but God changed me significantly while I was there. It was a time of purging and cleansing of my old self and the pain that had cast me through spouts of depression. I had to be healed so that God could mold me into what He had planned for my life.

As I lived in the rooms of these teenagers and to be a guide for their lives, I saw the insecurities and pain that made them act out the way that they did. No longer was I hurt by these words as I had been around my classmates in high school. Instead, I found myself becoming a presence of support and strength for them as they learned to see me more than just a person to funnel their anger and insecurities onto.

Though, I wasn’t able to survive these two years on my own. It was with the support of brothers in Christ that we could rely on each other, sharpen each other, and work through any differences that we had. See, we were stuck with one another and there was no way to run away from conflict. It had to be dealt with head on. These trials built a strong bond between us because of everything we experienced together.

Application

Community isn’t built the way that many think it is through doing mutual beneficial favors for each other, cutting off people who offend you, or cherry picking friendships. It is built through tears, trials, conflicts, and a foundation in Christ – things that require effort. How often do we forget that unity is not about having the same political values or hobbies, but holding a similar belief and shared sense of commitment and values? We cut friends faster than we change the channel on the TV, only because of an unresolved grievance. I tell you church, this should not be the case amongst us!

As I worked with the teenagers, I began to understand what it meant to have a need for brotherhood and to share each others joys and burdens. It was why I sought it out when I joined City Life many years ago. I needed men in my life to help me grow and to share both joys and sorrows. The man I was ten+ years ago is not the man I am today because of these brothers. Praise be to God!

It was also in these years since working with the teenagers that I used writing to help express my thoughts about God and the hardships that we go through in life. It is where Broken Souls began to take shape and how it is a reminder for me of 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. These are such important verses to remember as we go through this journey of life together.

Prayer

Father in Heaven, thank You for coming to this earth and showing me who You are through the life of Jesus Christ. Let me be an imitator of Your life and to bring others into community with You. I want to work towards working through conflicts and building stronger bonds with fellow believers. This is how we can show the world that Your goodness and Your kingdom is so much better than anything else that the world can offer. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.