By Nate Marshall, Director of 4.12 Leadership Training Program
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” –Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV) (emphasis added)
Have you ever had the opportunity to be a part of a conversation that you knew was “of the Lord”?
Or maybe, you look back and thought, “If only I had taken that opportunity to speak an uplifting word or speak truth to that person!”
God often gives us opportunities to connect with people that could only be orchestrated by His timing. I love those kind of moments! It is truly life-giving.
Serving with 4.12 students, a part of Joy El Generation, on weekends they serve at Joy El, a Pennsylvania Christian retreat center, God often provides those kind of “divine appointments” with students.
One of these “moments” came a couple of weekends ago at Joy El, Christian camp and retreat center in PA, when I was chatting with one of the students, James*, who is in the program. I simply asked, “So, how is school going?” I never thought a simple question like that would lead to something much more profound! Little did I know what was going on in James’ life. He start to share some pretty significant things that had happened over the past year and what God had been teaching him.
I spent most of the time listening and asking more questions and then we spent some time praying together.
God is at work in the 4.12 student’s lives in the midst of ever-increasing crazy schedules and significant challenges that await them every day.
I believe God gives each of us opportunities to have the conversations with others. Most times, it only takes a little bit of time, a tiny bit of courage, and a good question.
What opportunities could be awaiting you today?
*name has been changed
Additional Resources:
Join us for a Christian Retreat this fall! Start Here
- Father-Son
- Momentum Retreats (Middle and High School)
- Men’s Retreat
- Bible Adventure weekend (2-6th Grade)
More information on the 4.12 Leadership Training Program
Joy El Camps and Retreats is a Christian Camp in PA, we offer Christian camps and retreats year-round in PA and we are a retreat center in Pennsylvania since 1974. Our focus on making disciples is seen in Bible Adventure and the 4.12 Leadership Training Program
