I just wanted to write a post to fill you all in on what has been going on with me and why I have not been very productive on this blog lately. The easiest way I could put it would be to just say that I have been super busy, which is the honest truth entirely. However, much of my occupation has come not from my own doing, but from God. Of course I work two jobs, which both have recently been under a certain set of circumstances that does not allow me to be able to take off as much as I would like to, so I really have to plan out my schedule, week by week, and sometimes, day by day.
The Lord was gracious enough to hold these circumstances back to allow me to be able to take off for the week of June 20-24, which I spent with my wonderful youth group, at the Xtreme Summer Conference 2011 in Panama City Beach. It was an absolutely amazing experience with great spiritual leaders and awesome bands, including one of my all-time favorites, Lecrae. The Holy Spirit was moving within the place we worshiped at and also in our hearts. I remember the first night we got there, my friend, Sage, and I walked into the large worship room where there would be more than 1500 people praising God during the whole week, and I immediately felt the presence of the Almighty. By the time we got back on Friday, we had all grown closer together as a youth group, and more importantly, a member asked God to be her personal savior. As I am typing this, the Spirit is moving strongly within me and tears of joy are coming to my eyes. There is no better feeling in this world than to know that a lost soul is now saved by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
After getting back and going through withdraws from not being with my church family, life tried to take over again. Circumstances came up at work that bumped me from around 24 hours a week to 31, not considering my other job. I started to be a constant bad mood, which isn’t normal for me. But soon enough, with the help of my loving family, I lightened up a bit, although I still just had this feeling like something is missing.
So what did I do? I prayed. You might have seen a paraphrased version of my conversation with God that night if you saw my status on Facebook: “Here I am Lord. I’m on my knees in Your holy presence. I’m here only because of Your infinite mercy and grace. Use me up Lord. Give me the courage to stand up for what I believe, and the strength to perform Your
will for my life. Here I am Lord. Send Me.” I gave it all to God, and asked that He would use me in the way he would see fit. I also asked Him to give me the strength, courage, and guidance to do whatever it was that He decided. It wasn’t too much longer that an old friend that moved to Enterprise from Zion Chapel, randomly sent me a IM on Facebook one night, asking if I would help out with a children’s church camp at the Vineyard. As soon as I read her question I asked the Lord right then, “Is this what You would want me to do?” I believe he answered me with an immediate “Yes!” So after praying about it some more I decided that, despite my unwillingness because of the uncertainty of what I would exactly be doing, I would do it.
Ever since, I feel like that small part that was missing has been filled. The camp is currently going on right now and is going very good. I am really enjoying it, as are the kids. It ends on Wednesday around lunch so please keep these young boys and girls in your prayers.
My endnote is this: The only way to receive true joyfulness is to faithfully serve God. I think that many times people just serve, without the faith. Here’s the thing though…your not going to get anywhere with works alone. Only when you add in honest prayer, faith, patience, and seeking God’s face within His word, will you win souls. And isn’t that the ultimate goal for us as Christians? So I challenge you right now. Give it all to God and ask Him to lead you to the places and people that He wants you to interact with. And whenever you get that far, ask for the courage to not back down. Take a step out of your comfort zone. Many times that is the best place for God to use you in.
Finally, thank you all for being very patient with me as I fall behind on this blog. For I may be slowing down here, but in God’s overall plan I’m speeding on to the end of the race. I love you all and hope to hear from you soon. God Bless – Landan.
P.S.
Again, feel free to lead someone to some of my original posts. The 10 Signs That We Are the Last Generation post is a heart changer for many people who have fallen astray.
The Last Generation 