This last week, my squad had the opportunity to go to a conference called, The Awakening at camp La Montaña, outside of San Jose. There were two Gap years there (9 month ages 18-21) and a semesters team (3 months ages 18-22) along with our team (11 months 21-35). I did not know what to expect coming into this short trip. All I knew was that we were going to be in cooler weather, and that was glorious! It rained there for 2 out of our 4 days, and I was thriving over in that weather!
Knowing that we were the older group, there were thoughts in my mind thinking that these younger adults can learn so much from our team; thoughts creeping in that told me we were better than them, because we were doing 11 months and more countries than them. The lies of the enemy are REAL. But we have the power to tell those lies NO, because the Spirit is alive and active inside of us, and those lies are not from God! “I recognize the spirit of pride. It does not belong here; you have to leave!” I’ve never felt more attacked by lies, ever. The whole day I was questioning whether or not I actually had the spirit inside of me, which is crazy to think about! He never leaves, and that thought was from the enemy. Every morning I have to cast out any wrong spirit that feels present, and welcome in the fruits of the Spirit.
The second day of Awakening I noticed I had to have a heart check, and a lot of my other squad mates were feeling the same thing. We prayed it out, and cast out any negative-feeling-spirits and went to bed.
The next morning I was intentional in being intentional with the other groups! When I made that first step in CHOOSING to sit with them, and get to know them, the Lord met me where I was. I expressed so much love, and joy to those around me. It was a choice I didn’t want to make at first; I wanted to just sit where I was, and not choose to step out. I’m only me when the spirit is lit inside. I just had to fan the flame!
I continue to learn everyday that everything in life is a choice. Our father only gives good gifts, and Awakening was a gift, but I just had to open the present!
