…is not a phrase usually heard in a positive light. Typically we think of burning bridges, or
connections, as causing problems and upsetting people, losing the chance of
ever having a relationship with them again.
The kind of bridge burning I’m talking about involves
cutting ties with past behaviors or
relationships that do not please God; making a change that ensures that there
is no way back to previous ways of living.
This was the theme of God working in my life throughout
training camp these past ten days. It was a challenging and exhausting, yet
exciting and rewarding week all at the same time! As God broke me, He used speakers, AIM staff,
new friends and teammates to help me grow in Christ. Anytime God breaks me, He does it so He can
mold me into someone who looks more like Christ. I am in awe of how much God did in these past
two weeks.
As God was helping our team to cut ties with sin in our pasts, He was teaching us how to let go of our selfishness, to flush out the
ugly part of us, so He could pour and fill us with more of Himself. God is a like a father who hates to see us
hurt, but because He cares and knows what’s best for us, allows us to be hurt
and broken so He can form us into something beautiful that He can use for His
honor and glory. Training camp involved
a lot of team building activities which tore our team down at times, but made
us stronger in the end. Struggles bring
out true feelings and issues that haven’t been dealt with which can destroy a
team or make it stronger.
I am amazed at how God hand picked each person on our team
and how quickly we became family. Each
of us brings something unique and necessary to the team. We are the body of Christ each serving in a
way God intended. In fact, God brought a
special friend to me right away and their s no doubt God had it planned. Kelly and I bonded as if we had known each
other for years!
A few of the other obstacles and other things learned during
camp included: unexpectedly cold
weather, one shower during the weak and a hair washing session in the sink,
carrying a symbol of our burdens (in my case, a very large rock) up a
‘mountain’ to get rid of it at the top, God stretching me to allow Him to be
bigger than the box I have put Him in, to see the true power He has and the
power I have in me because of Him, stepping out of my comfort zone to pray with
people I don’t know in everyday places (such as Walmart), and patiently
learning to listen to the Holy Spirit speak to me.
I am grateful for these days of intense bonding, stretching,
challenging, praying, ministering, grieving, laughing, and crying.
For more pictures you can click on this link or this link.
“One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is
ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heavenward in Christ Jesus.�
Philippians 3:13-14
