180

180 degrees – the angle at which one turns in the exact opposite direction; the change that has come over our household and youth group this summer.

God sent His Holy Spirit to us in a powerful way this summer.  The youth interns from The River Church in Searcy, AR came on a mission trip to our humble little church in Salvisa, KY.  The associate pastor there has been ministering to us for over 10 years and God led him to organize a trip for their youth pastor to bring a group of their youth that has been learning the power of prayer.  They came to spend time with us and show us what prayer can do.

I can only describe it as the air that I had been gasping for the few months before they came.  It was the evidence that I needed to know that God IS real and DOES work in miraculous ways, that He IS for me and WILL use me to grow His kingdom.  

It affected our youth group in the same way.  Most of the kids in our youth group choose to be a part of it, they are not there because their parents are making them.  They are there on their own. Many of them have just recently come to be with us. 10 of these kids spent their time while The River was here soaking up every lesson they taught us.  They learned to go on “treasure hunts” in Wal-Mart or other public places to find people to pray for, to be in agreement with the person/people who are praying aloud, to lay hands on the hurt and sick, and to listen to God speak to them in their own prayer time.  They started to realize what is real in this life – our relationship with our God. And they vowed to do a 180 and follow Him above all else, giving their group that name.

I am excited to say that I get to be a part of this group.  I am part of 180 and I am going to turn my life around. In turning 180 degrees, I vow to change my life in the following ways:

• Give up trying to be in control – God has it, not me
• Be OK with others – what others decide does not have to negatively affect me
• Stay positive – quit believing that something always has to be wrong
• Love my family (home and church) – unconditionally, unreasonably, without faltering
• Pray fervently – ask God for help, listen to His instructions
• Be joyful – show others what God has done for me
• Make Godly decisions – when things do go wrong, not to go wrong with them

I feel different now that I have made these decisions.  I don’t have to feel scared or anxious or worried or depressed.  Those feelings try to sneak in, but my cup is overflowing with peace and love and gratefulness and joy. I’m learning the word “OK” is a great response when things don’t go my way, especially when I mean it.  I don’t have to take offense at what others say and do, I can love even though. And that’s my new self – loving even though. Loving even though I may not agree with your decisions. Loving even though your actions may not be the way I would act.  Loving even though you don’t do things the way I do them. Because only through love can we help others see Jesus. It may not be the same love He has for us, but it is the love He intended for us to have for each other.