“It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience . . . It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ.” – Ephesians 2:1, 5

Recently, I had the privilege to attend Prayer Conference at Camp Kulaqua. Overall it was a great experience, and I’m glad I went. But, I didn’t feel that way from the beginning.

Before the trip, I had been sick with the flu, and instead of being excited to go, I just wanted to stay home. I know now that the Devil was purposely trying to keep me from going.

I went despite all of my apprehensions, and for the first day or so, I felt no better. I didn’t feel the super-spiritual connection that everyone else was talking about, until Friday night.

On Friday night, Pastor Kumar gave his testimony, and it moved me. After his message, everyone went to the gym to take part in a special communion service. That was when I finally wanted God to work in my life, and I decided to open my heart and let Him in.

Looking back, I realize that I was stuck in a spiritual stagnancy. I felt God knocking at the door, but I didn’t invite Him in. It seems like many times as Christians we search for the feeling of God’s presence. But, it’s not about the feeling at all. It’s about letting God pull us out of the hole we’re stuck in and allowing Him to work in our lives, even if that means giving up all control.

He’s the only one that can take us and our sin and turn us into people of great faith.