 Reflections on
IMPACT 2000 by Shauna, aged 16 |
| Growing up in a God-fearing, God-loving and God-following
family, I was introduced to the Lord at a very young age. I always went to church and
Sunday School, so I knew about God. I knew that He was a miracle worker and I knew about
the blessings he could bestow upon his believers. I also knew that God had a special plan
for all of his children’s lives. However, I had no idea that my trip to Atlanta for
the Impact 2000 conference would have opened my eyes to so much that I never saw and that
I never knew. As I was preparing for Impact, I had to keep a couple of choice things in mind. I was aware of the fact that I was in for a great spiritual uplifting and I admit that scared me a little. But, I had to also keep in mind that there was no need for me to worry because God was in control. His plan was already set up for me, all I had to do was trust in Him. All I knew was that I needed help and I knew I wanted to take my spiritual walk and my life to another level. I felt the perfect opportunity for me to reflect my situation and leave it in God’s hands was then and there so I did. I was surrounded by so many young Christians like myself who loved the Lord and wanted to be more like Him and learn more about Him. The way we all came together to fellowship and be blessed was a beautiful thing to me, even though we were all a little apprehensive about what was happening to us, in us and through us. I worshipped and actually felt the Spirit of the the Lord moving through me and around the room. I knew what it meant to truly worship and praise God for all that He has done and continues to do. I cried and I was filled. I repented and gave my life to Christ in recommitment. I made myself a living sacrifice to Him to be cleansed by Him, open and acceptable to Him. And now that I am back, I realize that I just can’t talk the talk. I have to walk the walk. I can’t live my life for me anymore, I have to live it for Christ. I have to take the path God intended for me. And even when trials may come my way, as they surely do, I will know that the Lord is on my side. And that reassurance and that comfort is what will help me to press on until that great getting up morning when my Savior returns for me. 1/14/01 |