Engage Your Destiny
Bridgewood Church was honored to welcome special guest Ben Peterson, founder of Engage Your Destiny, who shared a powerful message challenging us to live with eternal purpose in a world full of distractions.
Ben began by sharing the incredible work God is doing among active-duty military members across our nation. Through Engage Your Destiny, thousands of service members have taken their next step in following Jesus, proving that even in the midst of uncertainty and conflict, God continues to transform lives.
Drawing from John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease," Ben challenged us to evaluate what is competing for our attention and affection. In a culture consumed by entertainment, technology, and self-focus, followers of Jesus are called to intentionally make room for Christ to become the center of their lives.
Using examples from history and Scripture, including the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, Ben encouraged the church to think carefully about how technology shapes our lives. While tools like artificial intelligence can be used for good, they should never replace our dependence on God. Our deepest questions, identity, and direction are found in Christ—not in technology or the opinions of the world.
Rather than living distracted, Ben reminded us that God is inviting His people to live with greater purpose. Throughout history, some of the greatest moves of God have emerged during seasons of great challenge. As believers, we can face the future with confidence, knowing that God is still moving and empowering His Church to be a light in the darkness.
Ben concluded with three practical challenges for every believer:
Start each day with God before reaching for your phone. Spend time with the One who knows the end from the beginning and desires to guide every step of your life.
Ask yourself what needs to decrease so Christ can increase. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that may be hindering your love for God.
Find your identity in Christ. We don't have to prove our worth or earn God's love—we are already fully loved as sons and daughters of the King through the finished work of Jesus.
Sharing his own testimony of returning home from combat carrying deep pain and loss, Ben reminded us that God is able to redeem even our darkest moments. When we trust Him, He faithfully works through our struggles to accomplish His greater purpose.
No matter the challenges we face, our hope remains the same: Jesus is our guide, our identity, and our strength. As we decrease and allow Him to increase, we become people who are ready to live on mission and bring His hope to the world.
