Growing up I was always involved in church, Sunday school, and bible studies but I never truly understood the power of God until the summer before 7th grade. My church's youth group was going to a 5 day summer camp at North Texas University called The Kingdom. It was focused on the the kingdom of God from a verse in Matthew about how we are living in his kingdom and that everything we do should be for the glory of God. I remember walking into the enormous stadium of the university and being in awe of how we would get to come in there everyday to worship and sing. That week was such a spiritual milestone for me that changed my life. It was so powerful to be with so many other spiritual people and sing the songs of praise and worship. I remember that throughout the camp I felt the presence and power of God come over me. When I first got to the camp I wasn't really sure how to react when I learned that we would be attending multiple services and bible studies throughout the day and the whole week. I had never really thought of church as something that I would look forward to or enjoy, instead I thought of it as more of a chore or duty. I realized that even though I had committed my life to Christ 2 years prior, that I could ever feel something so powerful as that camp gave me. It taught me that no matter what you are going through that God is just a prayer away and to always trust in him. We all knew that the week would be interesting but we never expected it to be the best week of the summer. When I left that camp I had a feeling of reassurance and faith of my spirituality. I meet some of my best friends there that I am still friends with today and I have so many great memories. I know that if maybe I hadn't gone to the camp that I wouldn't be friends with some of the people I am today and my relationship with God wouldn't be as strong. The following year we went to another camp at Stephen F. Austin University and it was just as powerful, and I think that camps like these are essential in the life of a Christian or follower of God. There are times when I wonder how people can't believe in a superior being because the are so many things that can only be explained by the power of God. From an early age I knew there was something else out there that could give me peace, assurance, hope and faith in myself. He gives me the strength and ability to carry on with my life peacefully and live for his glory.
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