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EN(dur)ANCE by Robin Gudal

I’m headed to camp for the week. The excitement is mixed with the chore of packing and trying not to forget anything. Overshadowing that though is the pure joy of ministry.

Camp is not for the faint of heart. Long hours, heat, sometimes rain and a guarantee that things will not go by the plan.

Thank you if you have been a part of camp, sent a youth to camp or even prayed for a camp.

Camp is a vital and important time in many youths’ lives.

At YFC camps, we focus on the themes: Hear me out, God notices me, God sees my mess, Jesus restores (when we respond) then God’s Spirit is in me.

All of us want to be heard and seen; for our voice to matter. We often can feel unworthy of God’s love or human love because of what we have done or not done in our lives.

I am so thankful for grace. Amazing grace!

It hit me today as I was typing, maybe that’s why the words to “Amazing Grace” states at the very beginning: “How sweet the sound.”

We need the sweetness of Jesus to help us understand and heal. He covers all the wrongs, sins and hatefulness we display towards others. Sometimes even ourselves.

“That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found… How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.” — “Amazing Grace,” John Newton.

At camp I’ve had the joy of witnessing youth hear this truth, often for the first time, accept it and experience the true, unbridled joy it brings.

We all have been given this amazing gift: Jesus.

God loves us (Psalm 42:8 NIV), God is with us (Psalm 16:8-9, 11 TLB), God will rescue us (Psalm 91:14-15, NIV), God hears us (Psalm 18:6, NIV), and God has a plan for us (Psalm 139:1-3, NIV).” — KTIS Radio, “God’s Great Love for You” brochure.

The “Amazing Grace” lyrics, “He will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures,” are all so timely as a dear friend of mine passed away recently. She knew his love, his grace and his healing balm.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.” — Psalm 116:15, NIV.

Blessed be the memory of Arlene, faithful servant, kind human and loving friend. I will miss you on this side of heaven.

Are you walking in his truth, grace and glory? If not, today is the day to accept that and walk forth in victory!

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found.”

Robin (Beckman) Gudal is intentional in life, a wife, momma, nana, friend and a flawed and imperfect follower of Jesus.