Chuck Bridges Blog

I have heard and sung about God’s Amazing Grace since I was old enough to remember anything. I have heard many variations of Grace applied in people’s lives; have experienced the wonders of His amazing grace; and have attempted to teach others about this grace. And still, God has a way of amazing us again with the untappable riches of His grace.

Yesterday was very interesting to say the least. Several storms convened on our area making it hard to go forward with the camp challenge activities. While the storms raged it seems that creative young minds surrendered to temptation. Nothing of great harm happened, just a lot of small things that had to be dealt with. Right in the midst of our dynamic experiences, the enemy managed to give a little sway (or it may have just been the sin natures we all live with every day). Stress seemed to reach a serious level in a short period of time for adults who are responsible for a group of teenagers.

It’s a good thing we had a Worship Gathering planned for last night. We really needed a time to be together for prayer, serious praise and instructions from God’s Word. We began by speaking very straight forward about how easy it is to get “side-tracked” from following God — even at youth camp! If it’s that easy to get off track while we’re here, how much more intense will it be when we get back home?

I was allowed to spend a few minutes talking to the group before we began singing. We gathered around the altar and asked God to bring new life and energy back into our midst. We sought Him for corporate forgiveness and asked one simple thing of Him: Please show up and do something unique or unusual. What followed was “AMAZING.” I think that is why this term was chosen to describe God’s Grace. Amazing leaves the door wide open for God to do what He wants, when He wants, how He chooses!

Lisa began by exclaiming her calling as a Teacher and not a Preacher then she opened her mouth and God preached through her. She spoke life-changing Truth into our lives (adults and students). Then God moved in a way that is hard to explain. I have seen students make public commitments when their peers lead the way but there was something authentic in what was taking place.

Finally God moved through my wife and ministered to Ricky and his family. She knows all too well how ministry drains the one who leads. One of the hazards of caring about people is the pain you experience when things happen like they did yesterday. One thing is obvious about Ricky Motes — he loves these students from the bottom of his heart. He gives all of his heart to them; experiencing their highs and lows with them. It was very touching to see these students get around their leader, lay hands on him and pray for God to refill his spiritual tank which had been emptied by the events of our afternoon. God is so GOOD!!!

I don’t know what God has in store for today but I have full confidence that it will be AMAZING!