As this summer comes to an end, I find myself in shock. I’m in Scotland working at a Young Life camp, how did that happen? This Midwestern boy, who’s never stepped foot out of the country, stopped life in Illinois and made the move overseas. How’d I get here? What motivated me to apply for this? Why did I say “yes”? Honestly, I really don’t have a clear answer to any of those questions.
The reason for telling the story of June 15 is to paint the picture that what I was doing was way out of my comfort zone. All I know is that I said “yes”. Why? The only way I can answer this question is through my favorite story in the Gospels- Jesus walking on water and calling Peter to him. I paint the image of this story in my head often, putting myself in Peter’s place. I can clearly see a figure walking toward me on the water and, like the disciples, I’m afraid. Then, as Matthew 27 says, “Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus”. You see, the story helps me put answers to the questions I have revolving around my adventure this summer. I truly believe in applying for an internship at Cairn Brae that I was questioning Jesus, just like Peter did, saying “If it really is you, Lord, tell me to come to Scotland.” The answer I got was a simple “Come”. The Gospel of Matthew says that Peter got down out of the boat, but I believe there was so much more to this scenario. If I were Peter, I would’ve probably been thinking “Crap. He actually said “come”, I did not think that would happen.” I probably would’ve had one foot in the boat, the other one in the water seeing if I sunk or not. Then, all of a sudden, a rush of faith comes over Peter and he fully steps out. So there I am. Fully out of the boat- arriving in Edinburgh. I said yes to the simple “come” that the Lord was telling me, and I’m so glad that I said yes. This summer has provided me with memories, personal growth, and friendships that will last a lifetime. The adventure I’m on now provides proof that a life living for Christ is adventurous. Living for Christ is thrilling, not boring, and provides such a feeling of a life fully lived. Has it been hard? Yes, it has been one of the most challenging periods of my life. I’ve been pushed physically, mentally, and spiritual. There’s been moments where I’ve been overwhelmed with a longing for home. But the story of Peter walking on water always provides me comfort in these moments. Matthew 27 says, “But when he (Peter) saw the wind he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” Jesus said, “why did you doubt?” At Cairn Brae I’ve constantly found myself afraid, beginning to sink, crying out “Lord, save me!” And every time I find myself in this passage, being caught by Jesus saying “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” The comfort knowing that Jesus is walking beside me in this adventure is comforting. Sometimes I forget this and find myself sinking in doubt, but He always reassures me and picks me up again. The adventure I said “yes” to 9 months ago is coming to an end. I leave to go back to Illinois in about a week. Am I excited to get back? Of course, there’s so much to look forward to this fall. But I’m leaving Scotland with a new confidence in saying yes to the Lord’s command of “come”, and I can’t wait to see where the adventure leads me to next.
Thank you for the prayer cover this summer. For myself, for Laken, and for Cairn Brae. Blessings, BH
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