Gary Black’s words that impacted the Racers actions throughout most of our time kept going through my head and heart this past week. Come on, Church! We were all very fortunate to live with that push and motivation and truth for something more of God and less of the world. Come on, Church!
I spent the past week back at the summer camp I’ve worked at the last two summers. I haven’t had time to stop since the Race but knew without a doubt that Evart, Michigan is where I was blessed to be. But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus – the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love. Acts 20: 24
And that’s exactly what each day was about! As soon as my feet hit that camp I was His to use. I prayed and prayed for humility and miracles before I arrived and our powerful King was faithful to His daughter. I was used to do His work that was specifically designed for me. It was crazy-exciting to have each gift empowered and used purposefully in order to impact lives and touch the people I ran into. All for His glory! How He made me as a passionate listener, encourager, friend, servant, intercessor, and video-maker all blended itself together for an A-mazing week. I wish I could illustrate this more powerfully for you…
YES! That’s how it was for me. Every corner I turned or walk I took ran me into someone else that needed Him in some way. Maybe I was their encouragement or sounding board or prayer buddy but I believe I was the one doubly blessed for being a part of His work: the Church.
Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love. Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4: 2,3
This was the verse that the staff focused on during their weekly small group. They discussed community and how that relates to who they are and their summer jobs. Patience. Humility. Gentleness. At the beginning of the week i got to sit in with a group and hear these foundational aspects to the Church. One of the best parts was seeing the Church be vulnerable with themselves and begin from there. It’s hard to be patient. It’s tempting to stay farther from humility than we ought to. And most times gentleness doesn’t get the instant results we are after. But I was touched when the staffers talked about the direction they wanted to walk into. Our group ended with recognizing LOVE – “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13: 7
Let’s go, Church! The world needs us. They need us to be the willing example of love. They need pictures of grace and patience. They need to see Church outside of Sunday mornings. Pure joy came out of my heart when I was loving on people all week. Why? It wasn’t scheduled “ministry.” It wasn’t my job. It wasn’t expected. It was just God doing His thing through someone who asked for it. My life really was changed this past year and I got to see it. I got to see how His love for me and others became the priority in my life.
Maybe that was my favorite part:
[I’m sure this could have been presented more clearly. Unfortunately, my excitement sometimes jumbles the words I try to express. I know that being the Church – the Body of Christ – is one of the most wonderful things I never asked for. Our souls crave for fellowship that provides opportunities to serve and share life, prayers, dreams, and fears. God knows it and loves it!]
