When was the last time you were excited?

You know those moments, where you’re bursting at the seams in anticipation? You can feel it deep inside of you, that something great is about to happen. You can hardly contain it!

That was my feeling one Friday afternoon, as I drove down the last couple of miles toward our Bible camp. At that time, I was directing the camp. Within a couple of hours, a team of people would arrive for a weekend of enhancement projects that I would be overseeing. It was going to be great!

This feeling, however, died immediately as I enter the camp gates. I realized that we had fallen victim to a spree of vandalism and theft. As I tried to piece together what had happened, I saw that they broke into our sports shed first, stealing our pellet guns. This gave them the devices and enough ammo to shoot out a pile of windows, before packing up some tools, medical supplies and archery equipment.

My heart sank.

As I worked my way around the camp, I surveyed the damages. After reporting the incident to the police, I notified a few of our board members. As I initially explained what had happened to our newly elected Treasurer, he gave me these encouraging words.

“God is good and He will work good out of this somehow.“

That was exactly what I needed to hear. Then he reminded me of all the great things that were taking place within our ministry. He relayed the fact that Satan would not allow so many spiritual wins without retaliating on some level.

Later on in the week as we were reflecting on the events, he had this thought that is pertinent, so worth mentioning at this point in the story.

“I felt it definitely like an attack, as the camp seemed to have a renewed focus, and people were coming together with renewed excitement. Everyone was looking forward to the Enhancement Weekends and it is no coincidence that this took place just before, to try and defeat us.“

This attack was meant to discourage me.

And it definitely worked! And yet, I couldn’t let it destroy what had already been set in motion for that weekend. As Director, I needed to get my head back in the game, give the glory to God for the trial I was facing, and press on with what we had previously planned.

Soon enough, the glass was cleaned up, windows sealed and damaged goods stored. As people arrived and heard what had happened, it seemed to motivate them; spurred them on in some way. Perhaps, it was the anger of what had taken place or a strange call to action out of circumstance? Whatever it was, people were ready to work!

They rallied to get things done!

We had an amazing first Enhancement Weekend. As word spread about the damage to our camp, the second Enhancement Weekend ended up being even more successful. It’s amazing to see how God’s spirit motivates and unifies when adversity rears its ugly head.

If the vandalism and theft had not taken place, I’m certain that our Enhancement Weekends would not have been as widely publicized, nor as well attended. God be praised!

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• How do you personally handle unexpected challenges or setbacks when you’re filled with excitement and anticipation?
• Can you think of a time when a negative event or circumstance ended up bringing unexpected benefits or positive outcomes in your own life?
• How have your experiences shaped your perspective on overcoming adversity?