"O Israel, hope in the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore."
Psalm 131:3
I had just finished meeting with my small group of 6 students at Women's Conference. Many of the girls excitedly shared about what they learned in the first talk of the weekend on Psalm 121. They remarked how they loved the reminder that we need a helper, and our best helper is the Lord, not other things we might run to. Their joy and convictions from the talk bounced seamlessly off one another. I turned to one student, "Molly", who had been particularly quiet and asked "So, what do you hope to get out of the weekend?" "Umm, yeah. Can we go talk somewhere?" she replied timidly, eyes darting around the room. This was not the response I was expecting, and I desperately looked around for a private place to talk.
When we had found a quiet room, Molly began to weep uncontrollably. Between tears, she began to share of deep loneliness, anger, confusion, and uncertainty that has grown to be quite burdensome as she navigates an understanding of who the Lord is and what it means to commit to Christ. I could see the pain and struggle in her eyes as this barrage of doubt spilled out of her, unable to contain it any longer. I understood her pain and empathized with her, as I, too, have experienced that wresting match he was enduring. She truly needed someone to help her, just like we had learned in that evening's talk from Psalm 121.
As we continued our conversation, she shared "I know it's all or nothing with Jesus, but I have so many questions that I don't know if I can be all in yet." Having grown up in a Christian home, Molly knew the truths of the gospel, but has been wrestling with how these truths play out when faced with the pressures and questions of current topics such as female empowerment, homosexuality, or even the validity of the Bible.
As I continued to remind her of the known truths of the gospel, I also reminded her how a commitment to Christ was committing to claiming Him as Savior, not to having all the answers. That's God's job. Our job is to love Him with all our hearts, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) and seek those answers with Him. Even though she was unsure, I knew Molly was in the right place to wrestle with God about making this commitment as we continued learning through the Psalms throughout the weekend.
My small group! All these ladies are from my alma mater, Muhlenberg College. I got to know the two girls on the right when I was still in college, so it was great to see them here and how much the Lord has grown them!
Throughout the rest of the weekend, the conference explored more of why we should worship God. Is he really worth it? And if so, how can we worship Him in all areas of our lives? As we read through the Psalms of Ascent, we learned of the great hope we can have in the Lord because of what he has faithfully done for us and the promises we can have confidence in for the future. When we know the truths of the gospel and goodness of God, what else would we do but worship!
At the end of the weekend, I briefly followed up with Molly. She excitedly shared how much she enjoyed the conference and really appreciated many of the workshops that touched on difficult subjects (like "Wounded" that discussed how our wounds can influence those around us and point us to Christ all the more). It was clear she is considering more how Jesus really is worth it!
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was planning and MC-ing (bottom left) the first Women's Conference Showcase where we have 10 students share a way that the Lord has gifted them to worship and honor Him. The ladies really enjoyed it!
Coming up next...
In May, students will gather for Focus, a week-long conference to explore key interactions of Jesus with various people - unclean outcasts, hardened skeptics, disbelieving disciples. This is a favorite event among students as they feel refreshed from a busy school year before heading home for the summer.
Prayers & Praises
Praise God for Women's Conference and all that the students learned. Pray that they might continue to see how Christ is worth it and fervently worship Him.
Pray for "Molly" as she continues to wrestle with the Lord and understanding the truth of the gospel. Pray that she would confidently trust in Christ, even without all the answers.
Pray for me as we continue to prepare Focus - for energy and a full reliance on the Lord. Pray also for the summer and fall as I reevaluate my schedule, involvement on campus, and peace among transitions in the Headquarters.
Thank you, dear friends, for your partnership in the gospel!
Your support - whether prayer, financial, or other - is greatly appreciated and makes it possible for us to continue reaching the next generation for Christ!
