Taking Steps With God.
It's been a while. This past weekend, I went to our state's Pentecostal campgrounds for something we call Statewide. Statewide is where all the youth across the state travel to the campgrounds for church service, hanging out, meeting new people, and to spend the night in your church's dorm. This was my first year unlike everyone else in my youth group. Everyone had been and for years I had been begging to go. I'm here hoping to inspire you on taking steps in your walk with God and to tell you about my experience.
On the ride up, I was with 4 of my friends. They were all so excited for me, but I wasn't as excited as they were because I didn't know what to expect. All I knew was it was going to be amazing. But I have to experience something to get excited for it. Once we got there, we went to the dorms and put our stuff by our beds. For some reason, it already felt like I had been there a million times and it was like a second home. After we set our stuff down, we went to the pavilion where there are volleyball and basketball courts and is basically the main spot of the campgrounds other than the Tabernacle. We were one of the first people there along with a few more people from our youth group. They were still all so excited for me, but I wasn't hyped to be there. I'm not saying I didn't want to be there, because I did. For years I had been begging to come and I was finally here! I was really happy to be there. Come time for church. All the girls went to our dorm and we started doing our hair. I had my friend curl my hair and I wore a pink velvet dress. Once my friends and I were ready, we started running for the church so we could get a seat while taking pictures quickly on the way. We get our seats and fellowship for a few minutes, and then the countdown starts.
Our youth president over our state started speaking and doing the introduction. After he is finished speaking, worship starts. We all march to the altar and I instantly felt God. The first song of the worship set I was looking around at everyone in awe. I didn't realize until then why everyone was so excited for me to come. God's presence was so fulfilling to everyone. I started crying because I loved this place so much and it already felt like home. Fast forward to altar call, and I can't help but cry. I usually don't cry when i'm worshipping, but this time I was a fountain. This place was absolutely amazing. A few days before Statewide I caught a cold. By Friday, the day of Statewide, I had such a hoarse voice and it would crack every five to ten words. This didn't hold me back. I let it all out to God while being in awe of all the amazing things He has done.
After service, we went back to the dorms to change, and then went out to the pavilion to fellowship with everyone. There was without a doubt over 3,000 people there. Despite my voice, I met so many new people and new friends. Despite it being my first time at the campgrounds, I felt like it was home and my friends said it felt like I had been going forever and it truly did.
The point of this blog is that despite the circumstances, you should always trust in God, be faithful, and He will fulfill your needs. Always step out of your comfort zone with God. Dance, jump, and shout in the spirit. It's such an amazing feeling to worship God no matter how or what you do. Take steps in your walk with God. They don't always have to be big, but I promise any step forward is worth it. I've fallen deeply in love with God and I always want to know more and grow more. If you're doubting yourself, don't worry and take the step. He will honor you.
"In all thy ways, acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
-Proverbs 3:6
