Taking a Step back

This weekend I had the opportunity to spend time with a group of youth and watched how the Lord started breaking into the lives of these young men and woman. He started by getting them to take a 2-day hiatus away from the regular routine of their life. Then while away from the stronghold of habits and familiarity, He began His work. The youth went from staring at each other and the leaders, to smiling a bit more. They went from a distant look of a person who knew of a God that loved them, to a group of people who believed once more that God is walking with them. The Lord touched lives on all levels, some in small ways and I truly believe that some of the youth decided to walk on a whole different path after they had this time of drawing near to the Lord.

So what can we learn from this group of youth?

How can we take their experience and be reminded of who we are supposed to be?

#1 Make the time for God
We cannot keep running around in circles claiming that God is our source of strength without setting aside a part of our life to actually spend time with Him.
#2 Take moments away from the familiar and comfortable
I believe strongly that finding ways to break our daily routine helps us from being stuck in places that we do not even realize is a trap. When you take time to retreat and ask to show up the most wonderful thing will happen, He will show up.
#3 Allow the Lord to help you take that next step
When we look at the lives of youth it is easy to somehow think we are more mature than they are and that we deal with real problems compared to them. These youth that I spent time with are no different than you and I. They are dealing with life and watching their humanity attempt to control them. Does this really sound any different than the normal grind of your day? Each of these youth are on their own journey and God is asking them to not worry about the whole journey- just take that next step and when that is done then deal with what is around the corner. I believe He is saying this same thing to you today.

When is the last time you have asked the Lord what step He would want you to make in your life to honor Him and look His ambassador? I promise when you do their will be ideas that arise of what the Lord might just be asking and has been asking for some time if you were listening. Once you feel that that you know of a couple of things then pray and ask the Lord for clarity and strength. He will guide you and strengthen you to step into all that He has for you.

While Jesus was on this he often took the time to retreat and renew His mind and heart. What a great example to follow.

Mark 1:35-37 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"


Dear Lord,

I thank you for each of the youth that were at camp this weekend. I pray that you keep their hearts soft and their eyes focused on you and what you are asking. I also ask that you help me, and those reading this, to truly seek you and allow you to guide our steps. When we want to make excuses of why we are running in circles please find a way to get our attention and bring our focus back to the path that you have laid before us.

Amen