Where is it that you will find college students working hard and playing hard together? Well, of course, with the WinShape Camp for Girls Pre-camp team. A team of us have been working together and having fun together as we prepare and get excited for staff training and for the campers to come June 5th. It is cool to think that as we unpack each box and set up each area of camp that we are preparing and setting the environment for God to move and work in the lives of campers all summer. Knowing this great truth brings such a great awareness that each paintbrush, office supply, mountain bike, crazy costume, and tribal band has a much deeper purpose than meets the eye. These things do not make up the meaning of camp, but they shape and mold the environment where God will begin revealing to girls who He is, who they are in Him, and how they can have a relationship with Him.
In my time with the Lord over the past several days since being at the beautiful WinShape retreat, the Holy Spirit has pressed upon my heart something important that I can do, that all of WinShape Camps staff can do, to prepare for campers to make their way to either our residential camp, one week camp for girls, or our C3 day camps. Apart from this, every item that we unpack to make the camp environment what it is lacks the power to transform lives and our purpose loses its eternal value. The problem with reading Scripture is often not whether or not we understand what it is says, but that we instead, choose not to obey and follow what it is that the Scripture is saying. We can read the Word, acknowledge that it’s the truth with our heads, but fail to allow it to penetrate our hearts. I have often made the mistake of doing this exact thing while reading Ephesians 6:10-20. This passage depicts Paul’s urgency for followers of Christ to put on the full Armor of God.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God,that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle againstflesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers overthe present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take of the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of Salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20
God has challenged me through the Holy Spirit to wake up every morning and pray this scripture. The plans that the Lord has for this summer are great, I have no doubt. But I also don’t want to be oblivious to the fact that there is an enemy who seeks to destroy every life that the Lord transforms for His glory. Jesus is the only Light that can defeat darkness-and I want to make sure that I lay myself down daily so that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can pray against the schemes of satan. That I can be clothed with the armor of God in order to fight darkness-not flesh and blood, through much prayer and supplication. This isn't to say that I assume everything will go smoothly 100% of the time. But I do believe that no matter the circumstance, Jesus will be fighting an unseen battle on behalf of us, and I want to ready myself as well-to fight through prayer and abiding in the Lord for the over 10,000 campers that we hope to reach this summer, for the over 300 staffers that will be leading and presenting truth to campers, and to all the members of the leadership team who will be doing an incredible amount to make this summer what it is.
Continuing to get excited and anticipating all that is to come!!
