I have been asked countless times what were some of the things I took away from Youth America. I gave a cop-out, very vague answer of, It wrecked me, which while true, doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what happened in that short week. It did truly wreck me, I told the teens, ya’ll have ruined me.. Seriously, I will never be the same. I think it’s time I expound, because anyone who knows me, knows how much I hate cop-out answers.. and I feel the need to explain further.
Every day at Youth America I began with some much needed personal time with God. Just Him and I, and whatever other leader was up at 6:30 in the morning trying to steal away some time before their teens found them. During this time I felt God speaking directly to me about my fears and the inadequacies I feel I struggle with. I have never been one of those people who loves to be on stage, or in the spot light, but I also feel this strong pull that God has a specific calling and purpose in my life that will make me face and overcome these fears. Fear can be crippling and paralyzing, causing you to stop in your tracks. Thankfully I am part of a church that loves to challenge those things within my life that would leave me stagnant, and unproductive. As I’m struggling and voicing my concerns to God, He begins to stir this within me:
I am not looking for the qualified, for the skilled or eloquent. I am looking for one who is willing. Willing to do what I have called them to do, regardless of the consequences; willing to allow my voice room in their life, to proclaim my dreams and desires for others. Someone who will allow their lives to be a platform for me. Are you willing? Not are you able, or do you think you can do it. DO you trust me to be who you need me to be, in order to do what I’ve called you to do? Are you ready to stop relying on your own strength and allow me to have voice through your life?
Of course I answer with a definitive YES! In doing so, I feel as if I’m teetering on the edge.. Knowing the opportunity to jump in, is right around the corner.
The first day, I had opportunity to give up on one of my teens. I must say, I was tempted to take it, it’s easier to dismiss someone and not have to deal with the pain they may cause you, but God wouldn’t let me do it, and he reminded me so much of my brother, I couldn’t bear to give up. So I prayed, and prayed, and prayed. And others prayed and prayed and prayed, and God is Faithful to the end. Never give up, on anyone! I’ll spare you the details, but I can say this, He is a changed young man, who is beginning to recognize the call of God upon His life and is excited about it. His life was transformed, totally in less than a week. I am believing that he will maintain his freedom! Any freedom gained must be maintained. (I won’t preach on this right now, but I’d love to).
The amount of unity developed within our group, was amazing. I am awestruck by the relationships built. Every time we go to YA I am told by whoever bunks with us, how special our group is, how tight and close they seem. This year was a whole new level. I saw sister’s praying for one another, and for their family together, friendships built as they laid hands on one another and spoke life over each other. No strife or division was present, no quarreling or discord. Unity, peace and deep love for one another was evident in EVERY SINGLE ONE of them.
Don’t underestimate what God can do In a moment. I have this tendency to try and make things line up with what I believe instead of making my beliefs line up with truth (God’s Word). IT is still a struggle for me at times til this day. As I watched huge transformations, I had to fight the urge to second guess it. I choose to believe in my students and allow God to finish what he’s begun in them.
This last week:
My heart was transformed. I chose Love and acceptance, and to believe the best.
Students were completely surrendered to Jesus, and lives changed forever.
An Atheist became a Christian, An addict gave it all up to God, Several Spoke in tongues for the first time, restoration to families began, Freedom from spiritual bondage for others, an awakening in hearts for those who have gone stagnant. I could go on and on and on.
What has he done in me? He DID wreck me.. he did ruin me.. I am forever changed in one small moment.. I will never be the same.. and I will never give up on others or the call he has placed upon me..
This is just the beginning; it is in no means an end.
We are going public with this!
