Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I
formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Alas,
Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, Because I am a youth." But
the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am a youth,' Because everywhere I send
you, you shall go, And all that I command you, you shall speak. "Do not be
afraid of them, For I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 1:4-8
Over the past months our students
have looked forward to Beach Camp in Panama City beach, Florida. Many of them worked and saved for this very
special week and the time with their friends.
As the camp approached our student ministers and some of the students
would ask me if I was going. Normally I
would go down to camp for a day or so here in Texas but this was a different
situation. The thought of 15 hours on a
bus and getting my daily work completed for the time I was gone pretty well
canceled any consideration. There was
also the thought of hard mattresses, no sleep and noise like only teenagers can
enjoy. However, I began to see what a
great opportunity this was to connect with the students and, even more, listen
to them and discover the needs in their lives and their families. I don’t know that they or I were aware of just
how God was going to reveal Himself during the week.
By the time I arrived, God had
already manifested His presence in a mighty way in their first worship. Kids were saved, many sought forgiveness and
others committed to lifetime service to Christ.
It was like the purpose of the camp was achieved in the first night; but
it was only the beginning. You see, one
of the most difficult parts of spiritual growth is God getting our attention. Breaking into our lives and getting us
focused on our need and His desires is not easy. After He has our attention He can begin to
transform us into the image of His Son but capturing our focus is not
easy. That is why camp is so important
to these students. God gets a chance to
meet with them and have a part in their lives.
Can you picture over 200 young people
listening to a sermon for over an hour?
Can you imagine senior boys weeping and hugging each other in comfort
and joy as they pour out their hearts to God?
How would your heart be touched to see 100 young men committing to God
and each other to be Mighty Men of God like David’s men?
As I watched and listened it was
confirmed…this was where I was supposed to be.
Where else can a pastor be during the week that he can spend time with
over 200 of his church? I knew that just
being a part of this had brought these students and me closer together. They were openly confessing their pain and
their desire for healing and God’s power in their lives. Any pastor longs to hear this from his
congregation regardless of their age. Yes,
I know that mountaintop experiences have to be tested in the valley. But can we not open our hearts to receive a
glimpse of the mountain to inspire us in our walk. Bring it home students!
As I flew home I wondered if God
could use these students to reveal Himself in a fresh and powerful way to their
parents as well as their friends. My
thoughts went directly to Jeremiah 1:7 and
God’s affirmation of Jeremiah as a youth.
There is no doubt that He can use youth
as Paul also told Timothy, “Let no one
look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and
purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:12 May God use these young lives
to challenge us to a deeper and more vibrant faith and walk.
Scripture to Claim:
For You are my hope; O Lord
GOD, You are my confidence from my youth. Psalms 71:5
