Camp Love...

One of the things that I always make expressly clear before I take the High School group to camp is that "camp love" is not tolerated. "Camp love" occurs when guys or girls from our group become infatuated with kids from other groups and this mirage tends to distract and detract from what God wants to do and say. Most if not all "camp love" experiences end with disillusionment, sadness, and broken hearts when faced with the reality of how distance taxes a relationship. The euphoria of this kind of physical love is only overshadowed by the heartache of shattered hopes.

There are few things as fulfilling to have kids put aside their idols and routines to spend a week seeking God. The kids are always amazed at how God speaks to them at camp! It is interesting that many become preoccupied as early as the day of arrival that they will have to leave and face difficulties at home and manifold temptations. God is not only found at camp, however: the difference is when someone commits to seek God and sits quietly before Him, God will reveal Himself with power. God is not hindered by geography, but will only be found by those who seek Him with their whole heart.

If only we would put aside our idols, allow the LORD to search our hearts, commit to obedience and prayer! One of the speakers at camp comically portrayed God and angels as listening to our common prayers - typically over a meal - and rolling their eyes: "Not another FOOD prayer!" God is poised to provide guidance, power, endurance, forgiveness, deliverance, wisdom, truth, and comfort for His people. He is a Healer, Deliverer, and Savior. Yet we are betrayed by the fact that we are often comforted by food, not God. We have a closer relationship to our food than to the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

"Camp love" is a mirage, but to receive God's love and love Him back is the real thing. God uses camp, trials, and afflictions to open our eyes to how wonderful, good, great, and glorious He is. God's will is that we would fall completely in love to Him and surrender to His will. Let's decide we're through with trudging through a long-distance relationship with God due to our sin. Sin separates the unbeliever as well as believers from Jesus Christ. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.