If you are from session 6, then you might remember some of what I said at campfire, but basically the story goes like this. Last year at quest, I thought I had it all figured out. I thought I understood God and that it would be SOOO easy to keep up a relationship with him. When I got home I was quickly reminded of all the temptations that come up in everyday life. Without a strong foundation in Christ, I gave in, weak in my efforts to fight the temptations. I doubted myself. I doubted others. I doubted my family. but worst of all, I doubted God. I blamed him for the trials in my life and for the pain I felt. I felt like a part of me was missing and I tried so hard to fill the void. looking back now, I realize that I tried to fill it with temporary things. material things of the world. After this summer at quest I finally can truly say I understand now. The Bible is truth. It is wisdom. It is love. It is everything I've been searching for for so long! I can honestly say that the void I've been feeling for so long is finally filled. The Lord is what I've been searching for and I'm so thankful that my SOJO GIRLS FROM SESSION 6 helped me to realize that.
Last night I was reading from James, and God brought my eyes to the passage James 1:19-27 and James 2:1-26. It addressed pretty much what I've been struggling with for the past year! God works in crazy ways doesn't he?
If anyone out there has had their struggles with doubts, encourage you to read these verses. I promise they will inspire you to act on your faith instead of living a life without fighting for Christ!
SO! Encouraging. Keep it up!!!
ReplyDeleteWooo! I love you Lauren! I've been reading through Matthew. And I never thought I'd ever say this but the bible is so interesting! I love it! Whoever reads this comment read the bible! It's the best book ever
ReplyDeleteThank you...I read those verses, and they were really really helpful. Too many times I forget that faith is useless without works. I say I love God but I forget that loving God involves loving the people around me. Thank you! Please keep posting!
ReplyDeleteI read James 1:19-27 last night too! One of the first verses I ever memorized was James 1:22 (Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves; do what it says.) That verse really hits home for me because I was in your same shoes for so long.. I would experience that "camp high" and because I was relying solely on those emotions and not a true relationship with the Lord, it eventually faded. Even if I read my Bible and prayed and did everything I was supposed to do, I failed to really act that out in my daily life. After this past week, God has given me a desire to really put everything he teaches me into action.
ReplyDeleteEmma
im so proud of you guys... cant even explain it
ReplyDeleteWow i went through that time and time again. The whole camp high leads to trying, leads to failing, leads to guilt, leads to giving up and being distant from God thing. But now, i am literally addicted to God's word!! Thank you for encouraging me and keep posting!!
ReplyDeleteLauren, i cannot tell you how much you encouraged me to seek the Lord with that story and what you said at campfire. It's just so awesome to see you running back to the Lord with all that you are and realizing you had gone astray because i know when i do that, i usually don't even know that I have gone away from him. Keep on fighting for Him and his kingdom, and know that I (as well as every other SOJO sister we have from session 6!) will ALWAYS be here for you! I love you and I just love what you have to say about stuff. It's awesome! keep seeking him and growing girl!
ReplyDeleteIn His pure and Holy embrace forever,
Alexa