To Retreat is to Advance

"The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands"

-Come To The Well, Casting Crowns

Hello everyone, remember this blog? It's been a while since it's seen much use, but it is my wish that we will continue to post on it and encourage each other in the faith.

So the first Annual Jim Bridger Fall Spiritual Retreat has come and gone and my reaction is: "Wow!"

God did some amazing things for me in that time. The presence of God was so vivid and we were able to basque in His presence as we prayed, worshiped, and delved into His Word. It really was a very amazing time in the Lord and I cannot wait until we get the opportunity to do it again.

One thing that I really learned in this trip is the importance of letting God do what He wants. As you may have seen above, I placed a quote from one of Casting Crowns' songs. This quote really stuck out to me as I listened to this song. It's simple, but it seeks to open our eyes to a very important realization. If we want to live in God and have him work in us, we have to surrender ourselves unto Him.

The retreat that we went on could be just that, a retreat. A step back from the hassle of the world and a place to get your head straight. Or it can be a step forward and an advance into a deeper relationship with God. Through focusing on God we can further immerse ourselves in His glorious love.

So now that the retreat is over, make the decision to not neglect what God has done and live the same. Choose to continue in a focused gaze and do not turn away. Life will still continue and hardships will still arise, but face these things with the perspective of God and lie in His presence. Let the Lord be your strength. Let Him fight the battle for you. Surrender this unto Him so He can strengthen and lead you. 

Don't lose sight of God and when you fall, choose to let God raise you up again through His perfect blood. As God raises you up, make the decision to walk in His presence and continue in Him. 

Psalm 121:1-2

I lift up my eyes to the mountains
    where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.