Volume 14: Rest in the Lord's Consistency
After years of being invited, I had finally decided to go on ski trip with the youth group and that weekend opened my eyes to what a life with Jesus looks like. It was not this great big altar call or miracle sighting or life changing sermon. Rather, it was simply witnessing the beauty of a Christ centered community.
This time, which youth calls "encouragement time" happens every night on our youth trips and it is just an open floor for anyone to be bold, speak up and share. That first night, Mike encouraged me and spoke up about the potential that he saw in me as a leader and Jesus follower. After that, I fully bought in and got serious about my faith.
The power of words and community can change lives.
One of the best things I did in college was become a wyldlife leader. As someone who was weary of Younglife as a high school student, it took me a while to finally give in and pursue becoming a leader. Being a leader was a big time commitment, continually took me out of my comfort zone, and was exhausting at times.
But every Sunday night, the leaders would gather together for Leadership. After worshipping, we would take time to share "God sightings." Some spoke about break throughs with their families and friends, some about the friendships they were making at their schools through the ministry, and some would simply share songs they were listening to or Scripture they were reading.
There were no rules or boundaries to what you could say. Rather, it was just a time in our week to slow down, reflect on the ways the Lord has provided, and give thanks together, as a community. So while being a leader was hard, we were refreshed and ready for battle each week through our God sighting testimonies.
The power of words and community can change lives.
At the end of Thanksgiving break, I sat in church at Rock Creek and immediately knew I was going to enjoy the service. In a sermon titled, "Too many to declare: Recounting some of God's many wonders in our lives," Pastor Eric opened the microphone to anyone who wanted to share their praises to the Lord.
There was a steady stream of members of the congregation walking up to the mic, excited to share the ways the Lord has been moving in their lives. Stories of praising God for how He shows up in our every day. Stories of a faithful family from Ukraine currently in the states while their Dad is still back in Ukraine, leading a church. Stories of stepping out in faith and starting ministries, not knowing where the funds and resources would come from, yet the Lord providing. Stories of parents giving thanks for healthy children that love the Lord. And the list goes on.
There would have been even more if Pastor Eric had not gotten up there to end the service. What a beautiful service. God's people proclaiming their praise together and being quick to acknowledge the ways He is moving.
The power of words and community can change lives.
Encouragement night on Ski Trip.
God sightings every Sunday at leadership.
Thanksgiving sharing at Rock Creek.
Different ages.
Different cities.
Different seasons.
Yet, same God. Same provision. Same constant goodness.
Today, I find rest in the fact that Jesus is the most consistent thing in this always changing life. And I am thankful for the moments that I am reminded that He is working in so many lives, not just my own.
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Song of the week: The In Between by Matt Maher. This is one of those songs that if I just heard it, I would probably skip it, but after seeing the music video in the Chosen, WHEW it's beautiful.
"I was one way but now I am different. There was a clear change in a holy collision. Who I was and who I'll forever be and He was the in between."
Here's to Jesus for being with us and changing our lives for the better! We are unworthy but whew so lucky!
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