Turn Not Away

This past week at camp I had the opportunity to counsel a group of Junior High girls. The girls were from all over, and they definitely had their differences. But looking back on my time shared with them, I rejoice that the victories that took place were spiritual ones. I rejoice that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was exalted and clearly recognized as the reason for these successes..

There was one particular night during the evening chapel service where one of my campers was visibly moved. I could tell that the Spirit was stirring within her, challenging her with the words of the speaker pertaining to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Upon his conclusion, he allowed time for the campers to consult a counselor to talk to or to pray with. As soon as the invitation was opened, I locked eyes with this camper. The expression on her face was one of fear. Whatever she wanted to talk about was serious..and it was gripping her. She had some business to do, and she had to do it now. When I asked her what was troubling her she replied “I’m not sure. I’m not sure that if I died today I would see Jesus.” What a joy it was for me to explain the Gospel to her again and then to take her through some passages in 1 John that offer encouragement and assurance in times of doubt. She made a decision that night to commit her life to Christ in all assurance that he would adhere to the promises of salvation found in his Word.

What a delight to be used as an instrument of God’s grace! More than this I was struck by her absolute sincerity concerning the matters at hand. From the look on her face to the tone of her voice, I knew that she was serious about getting serious with God. He had spoken to her, and there was no way that she was going to ignore his call. As Dallas Willard said in his work The Divine Conspiracy, “When we see Jesus as he is, we must turn away or else shamelessly adore him. That must be kept in mind for any authentic understanding of the power of the Christian faith.” This camper had an authentic encounter with the risen Christ…and she was not about to turn away.

Grace invited this camper to approach the throne of God with boldness that night. By grace she has been saved, through faith. And it is by grace that I was able to witness it all.

May we rejoice at the thought of being united and pursued by this great God of grace, and may we be challenged to respond to the unfailing love of Jesus that demands nothing, but everything at the same time.

Blessings.