I'm back! I started reading "Wild at Heart", and I just had some thoughts on it...

"Adventure requires something of us, puts us to the test. Though we may fear the test, at the same time we yearn to be tested, to discover we have what it takes."
-John Eldredge (Wild at Heart)

I've found that this passage pretty much describes my relationship with God.

The best example of this would be when there is an alter call. Those of my readers who are Christian will probably know what I'm talking about. For those of my readers who aren't Christian, or have never had an alter call I'll explain quickly.

The alter call comes at the end of the service just after the pastor has finished preaching. It wraps up the service, and allows for people to respond to the message (apply their new found knowledge). If the pastor was preaching about how there is sin in our life he may ask all the non-Christians to come up and receive Christ and his forgiveness for them. Then people come up to the alter (bench to kneel at in front of the stage). There they are prayed for.

Anyways, that's what an alter call is. Back to my story.

At camp there was an alter call ever night for different things. The first and last night had the same alter call. He asked for those who hadn't received Christ's forgiveness to come up. The second and third nights were a little different though.

On Tuesday night (the second night) I didn't really feel like the message was ment for me, but I listened anyways. He preached so well, and I could feel the presence of God so much that I wish the message did apply to me more so I could respond to the alter call.

*****FYI: The message was for those students who had had a rough life, and just felt rejected by the world and other such things.*****

God works in interesting ways though. When the alter call came I was sitting down with my eyes closed (they have you do that so other people find it easier to come up), and I was listening to see what he would ask. It hit my like a Tidal wave, "First I want anyone who is suicidal to come up, anyone who has ever attempted suicide, anyone who has even thought of attempting suicide to come up." I can still feel the intensity of those words as I type them know. Anyways I found myself walking to the front, one of very few guys in a sea of females who had responded. Then the shock phase left me, and I was overwhelmed by his presence. If you ever want to see me cry, the alter is practically the only place you will ever see it.

*****Quick side note for you who thought,"He's suicidal?!". I'm not now, but depression runs in my family pretty deeply, and about twice a year I hit an extreme low. You don't have to worry about it though (although I do appreciate your concern). I realize how many people would be thrown into depression if I ever did commit suicide. I care about you guys more than myself, and can't stand you guys getting hurt, therefore it will never happen.*****

Back on topic once again. I'm always scared that an alter call like that will come, and from time to time it does. When I respond though it's some of the most amazing experiences I've had with God. If I don't respond, I end up feeling like crud for not passing the 'test'.

I hope you guys see how this relates to the quote at the beginning of this entry. I also encourage you guys to take the challenges in your relationships, whether with God or not. The challenges and trial are what makes us strong.

To finish off I'll give you a quote you should recognize (although I have no clue who coined the phrase): Anything that doesn't kill you, WILL make you stronger.