Overcoming Adultery and Fulfilling God’s Calling
with Christian Aranza, Founder and Lead Pastor at Valley Rise Church
Honoring the Gift of God’s Calling
Do you ever worry your rebellion messed up God’s plans for you? We may have consequences for our sins and go against what He calls us to, but God continually brings us back because He wants the best for us.
This week on Relentless Hope, Pastor Christian Aranza teaches us that our calling never leaves us, even when we feel like letting go. Let his words inspire you to pursue your purpose and embrace your journey with unwavering hope.
Words of Hope:
“Calling is not only a matter of being and doing what we are but also of becoming what we are not yet but are called by God to be.”
– Os Guinness
LIFE
In part 1 of this 3-part series, Pastor Christian Aranza teaches that God’s purpose for us is a gift, and even when we try to run from it, He will keep pursuing us. Though told from a young age he had a purpose to preach the gospel, Christian resented the expectation and refused to accept this. As a teen, he turned to partying and drugs and later joined the Air Force to avoid his calling.
However, he was confronted with God’s calling while serving in the Iraq War. He surrendered to God, became a pastor, and built a ministry where people supported each other through life’s challenges.
LEADERSHIP
In part 2, we learn from Pastor Christian that great leadership begins with understanding God’s calling for us. Knowing our destination before leading others to theirs is crucial because when we know ours, it sparks passion within us, allowing us to remain resilient in the face of challenges.
Christian encourages us to be open about our struggles and rely on a solid support network. Being a humble leader and uniting everyone under a shared vision is vital to reaching goals.
LEGACY
In part 3, Pastor Christian shares his desire to leave a legacy of compassion, steadfastness, and courage. He wants to be remembered as someone who never gave up on others despite any adversity that stood in the way. To do this, he encourages us to focus on contributing to others’ lives. Legacies aren’t our accomplishments, but what we have done for others.
Scripture to reflect on:
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.”
- Ephesians 4:1
Closing prayer for Christian’s story:
Dear Lord, You have given me the most perfect calling for my life. And still, it scares me. Sometimes, I feel unworthy, worrying that I’ll let You down or fail You. Please fill my heart and let me feel all the loving support, encouragement, and faith I know You’re shining upon me. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.Thank you for reading this week’s Relentless Hope! We’d love to hear your testimony or how this story impacted you in the comments below.