Finding the Words

Tears are flowing down her face as she leans against the bunk bed. The visible struggle on her face sets the tone for the decision she is trying to make. She says very little I stand beside her, my arm wrapped around her trembling shoulder. My mind races for the right words. How can I show her the right choice to make?

Oh God, now what do I say?

You know those moments that come out of nowhere and you’re searching for the right thing to say? Those times when you’re in a totally new situation and you don’t have the faintest idea what you should do or say?

Camp is all about those moments, and there’s no doubt that after another 5 weeks here the list of new experiences will increase! Yet some moments stand out more than other’s because you realize so clearly that it has nothing to do with you but all to do with Him. You experience that feeling of complete helplessness and slowly but surely feel the guiding hand of God instructing you with your every action.

Standing by that bunk bed, I felt completely unsure of myself. Our conversation had gone from talking about church clothes to what a relationship with Jesus is all about (something I know could only be the work of God.) She had been quiet and thoughtful all morning but I never in a million years expected the conversation to take such a turn. Sure, this was a girl that had spent most of the week goofing off with her new found friends, but up until that moment, she had rarely, if ever, shown a real desire for spiritual things. As the conversation began to take a spiritual turn, a question popped into my head, “Have you ever accepted Jesus into your life?” At first I shook it off, thinking that it wasn’t the right time to ask such a personal question. I mean, after all, a few minutes ago she had been trying to convince me that wearing athletic shorts to church would be okay. Was this really the right moment? Although I was hesitant, I asked that question. She lowered her eyes and responded that she hadn’t ever exactly done that.

Around this time, tears began filling her eyes, and I left the bed that I was sitting on to stand beside her. I tried to think about what I had heard in sermons and workshops about leading someone to Christ. I’ll never forget how as the silent pauses would grow, I’d offer a quick prayer up to heaven and suddenly I’d have an idea about what I could say.

I’ll never forget the moment she finally spoke to say that she wanted to say yes to Jesus but that she was scared. A few moments later, she accepted Him into her life. There is such joy to see a camper decide to follow Jesus for a counselor that I can’t imagine what it must be like for God to watch as one of His beloved children accept the love He has been offering to them for so many years. I’d only known this girl for one short week, yet she had quickly become someone that I wished to see accept Jesus and having the opportunity to see it happen brings tears to my eyes.

How amazing is our God! He works on hearts that seem unable to be reached and allows us to take part in His ministry. He gives us the words and ideas when we have none. He is our everything and the strength that we can always run to. So next time you don’t know how to respond to someone’s questions, offer up a quick prayer to heaven and watch as God begins His amazing work.