“The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” — Pope Benedict XVI
Matt Regitz started his talk at this morning’s men session with an encouraging thought that spoke to the heart of every man in attendance, “When I’m done speaking, you will be able to eat lunch!” which was, of course, was greeted by outrageous applause.
But Matt didn’t spend too much time on silliness. He immediately began sharing some personal stories of recent struggles from his life and the lives of his loved ones – which caused me (and I suspect everyone in attendance) to reflect on our past and present personal struggles. This was important, because when we struggle, we can be tempted to believe that we aren’t where we are supposed to be…but that thought is a lie. God has us right where He wants us to be at this very moment; our challenge is to trust that!
Matt then read to us the powerful story of a paralyzed man, which you can read here, and encouraged us to consider that sometimes we are the man on the stretcher – we need our friends to carry us – and that sometimes God calls us to be the friends who carry our brothers in their struggles.
Ten years ago, Matt’s friends encouraged him to come to this conference. He had recently been paralyzed by some deep hurt and pain, but it was precisely here at this conference, during Adoration, that He experienced the healing touch of God.
In what ways might you be paralyzed? Is there anything that is keeping you from getting closer to Jesus? And, are you open to letting your true friends carry you to where you need to be?
Several years ago, at the encouragement of some of my friends, I attended a men’s conference – and during that event my friends and I realized that one of the biggest things we were all lacking was authentic, transparent, deep friendships with other men that made us accountable to be the best versions of ourselves. We decided that we wanted to carry each other closer to Jesus, so that we can be healed. If you have friends like that, thank them – and thank God for them. And if not, ask God to send you the right kind of friends.
Quotables
I’m praying for greatness to carry me home.
I challenge you to think bigger and greater.
We don’t have a sexual problem, we have a spiritual problem that leads to sexual problems.
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