I was at a loss for what to write about this week – not because of the scarcity of thoughtss, but because of the sheer number of them. On Friday I asked my students to write their ideas for my blog on the board and the result was a board completely covered in clever blog topics. Many of them centered on describing how awesome they are or the different things we are studying in class. But several of them also expressed an interest in knowing how God is working in my life and that thought was the inspiration I needed.

Over the past 2 weeks I have seen God work in ways I could not even imagine or even begin to describe. While some choose not to believe in God because they can’t see Him, I do believe in Him but am always desiring Him to be more real in my life. It is this way for my students, as well. They desire to be close to God, but it is difficult for them to fully surrender to someone who is more illusory than tangible. I understand their struggle; it is one that I experience on a frequent basis and such a longing to see God propels me into an even deeper search for Him.

Last weekend I led another 40 Hours With Jesus retreat for my students and the heart of it was to help them see how real Jesus truly is.  My experiences at the camp, as well as my experiences during the week after it, were actually encounters with the reality of Christ. There is no doubt in my mind that He is stirring the hearts of my young students and carefully, but powerfully, unfolding His plan in my life and theirs. This is a time when He has chosen to affirm my identity in Him and to confirm that I am within His Will. His is an undeniable presence in my world that cannot be shaken.

In summary, my vision has been transformed. I see His fingerprints on every aspect of my life. Even in the difficult times I am peaceful for I know that they are allowed for my refinement and God’s greater glory. Each step I take is a step deeper into God’s plan for who I am and why I exist. Living has meaning because Jesus is for real.