It’s not easy to write about the “failures” we experience in our ministries, but even Jesus saw one of His own twelve disciples chose Satan’s path over His. And he never returned.
Three days before the end of the fall semester 2025, one of the IBC students decided to leave IBC and return to a sinful lifestyle. She left behind a trail of tears, angst, and grief among students and staff alike. Of course this isn’t the first time something like this has happened, but what follows IS a first.
For the next nearly two months I prayed that if she was truly God’s child, he would discipline her. I prayed she would find no pleasure in her sinful choices but would be plagued with guilt and remorse. And guess what happened?! Apparently, God answered my prayer! On Friday she called IBC, asking to return. She wanted to leave her old life behind and be immersed once more in the safe and grace-filled community of IBC. Of course there will be some consequences. It won’t be easy for the students with whom she developed a trusting relationship to trust her again. It won’t be easy for her to jump back into classes at the beginning of our third week of the term, and it is only by grace that she is being allowed to do so. I don’t know if she will be able finish off some of the incomplete classes from last semester or not. But today she was back on campus.
Never have I seen such a quick turnaround! She is willing to submit to what we call the “Restorational Discipline” process, modeled after the church discipline outlined in the New Testament.
Would you join me in praying for this student? God knows her name (and ours too). Pray for the entire student body as they adjust and experience what grace and truth look like in everyday life. Thank you!
Gratefully,
Martha
Related Posts
You must be logged in to post a comment.