Ruidosa, New Mexico: Bonita Park Nazarene Camp Grounds. Teen camp. A rainstorm caused the camp fire to be cancelled. What do you do with 150 teens who are expecting a camp fire? Well, you take them to the tabernacle and you show a movie.

18: NO TIME TO WASTE.

A life changing film. It tells the story of an 18 year old girl who lived her life with a passion for serving the Lord; but then she died at the age of 18. Her heart’s desire was to tell people about Jesus — and she did. Philippians 1:20-21 were her life verses. Soon after watching the movie, I searched Christian book stores for the book; I finally ordered a copy.

“According to my earnest expectation, and my hope, that in nothing shall I be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now shall Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” -Philippians 1:20-21, NIV.

These verses became my life verses as well.

What is an earnest expectation? For me, my earnest expectation is what I desire — no expect — to see in my actions, the way I choose to live my life. I expect that I will serve the Lord; I expect that I will follow Him wherever He may lead me. My expectation and my hope is that I will do nothing to shame the name of my Savior. I don’t mean to be cynical, but there are enough folks in this world who are giving God a black eye by not walking their talk. I don’t want to be one of those people. The high expectations that I have of myself are ones that I can live up to because God is God and He is my guide. It is through His power and His strength at work in me that I can fulfill these desires, hopes, and expectations.

I desire and expect that I will magnify Christ — that I will show this world who He is. By choosing to serve God and giving Him complete control of my life, I have determined that my journey through life will be guided by Him. It may mean hard times or great times, but whatever life brings, I’ve asked Him to take charge and be in complete control. Many may not understand that decision; but I have confidence in His leading.

If He chooses LIFE for me — great, I’ll serve Him! And if He chooses DEATH — then I am heaven bound! Either way, I win.

We can never be too casual in our decisions. I can imagine three pastors in New Mexico sitting around planning a teen camp. One of them probably said something like, “You know, we could have a rain storm, what should we do in case of rain?” The other two probably agreed that they needed a “Plan B.” Someone had to find a movie. They probably talked about it and prayed for guidance. Then God showed them the movie that would impact a 15 year old girl. I’m sure that same film impacted others that night too, but I know without a doubt that watching that story, and later reading it, changed my life, my heart, my dedication, my focus, and most of all, my commitment. Our decisions impact others; they have the power to change lives.

What were the expectations of those pastors for that short film shown during a rain storm? Did they expect the impact to be life changing? I think so…I hope so. When I act, when I make decisions that have the power to impact those around me, do I earnestly expect to magnify Christ through that choice?

Help me, Jesus, to live in the power of that verse everyday. Amen.