"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Who can know why God gives us a heart and passion for certain ministries except by the stirring of the Holy Spirit in our hearts?
After undoubtedly one of the most challenging six weeks of my life, I can only praise Him from whom all blessings flow.
When I readily signed up for this camp earlier this February, I only knew that Promise Camp was where He was leading me for the summer. I only knew that His way was perfect and although I didn't understand why I would be working at a camp the summer of my junior year as a business major, I decided to follow His calling. At that point, I was ready to admit that all my life I had consulted my own wisdom and had done things my way. Needless to say, leaning on my own understanding resulted in many poor choices. Making the leap of faith, I finally arrived at Promise Camp, unaware of the hardships that I would have to endure. I came simply excited at what God was going to do through me but never once did it occur that these six weeks would be challenging as well as rewarding.
Physical injuries, mental breakdowns and spiritual attacks were part of the six weeks at Promise Camp. Yet God always attends to us when we are at our most vulnerable state, doesn't he? I have never felt His presence closer, His grace stronger and His power more awesome than I had in these last six weeks.
In the process of breaking me down and rebuilding me, He also worked through me to share the gospel, lead young girls to Christ, share my testimony and sow seeds into the hearts of the children at Promise Camp. My heart broke for many of these girls and God showed me how stone-hearted I had been to the needy. The power of the gospel, the power of prayer and the power of God's ministry worked at this camp to bring us to tears as we saw the fruit of our labor done through the strength of Jesus in us.
As I prepared to work at Promise Camp last semester, I asked God that he would work mightily in the hearts of the children for them to accept Him and live for Him. God has done immeasurably more than all we asked for imagine by challenging and shaping us counselors as faithful warriors for Him. I asked God to use me. He stretched and overwhelmed me as he shaped me as His vessel. I asked God to work in the lives of the children. He showed me personally how He had touched these girls' hearts.
How great is his love for us! How He loves us as his children! How He is pleased when we make sacrifices for Him in His name! How greater is He than our comfort, our pleasure and our possessions! How precious and beautiful are the sufferings and trials God allows in our lives for those He has loved and chosen!
These six weeks have been an amazing adventure coupling ministry and a 40 day devotional book I finished today. Written by David Nasser, a converted Muslim, "A Call to Die" challenges its readers to live a fulfilling adventure with Jesus by dying to our selfish desires and living for Him. When we trust in the LORD, who knows where He will take us? To what mountains, deserts, and to what people? Adventuring into the unknown with a trusted companion - isn't this the wish of every wild hearted traveler? I may have just encountered the beauty of Clinton, PA and bonded with my new inner-city family, but I am excited to see where God will lead me next and to what people group.
To those who have prayed for Promise Camp and kept up with my blog: thank you so much for your love, encouragement and prayers. I never knew how a kindhearted phone call or the simple words of "I've been praying for you" can help and mean so much in a time of distress and need. Thank you for blessing me with your love.
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is he love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God" (Ephesians 3:16-19).
No comments:
Post a Comment