Brianna Reflects on the Retreat

There was a lot of truth to process after the retreat, not only from Curt’s messages about heaven, but also resulting from the sheer length of time Lightswitch spent together. It’s always encouraging to watch God work through specific situations to push his children onto maturity!

In recent months, God has reminded me of the gospel's importance, and so I have been trying to preach Christ’s death and resurrection to myself. Yet Curt challenged us to add heaven to that sermon. Whether it’s stress over a deadline or frustration with my own fallen state, I am constantly reminded that God has granted me eternal forgiveness, and that heaven will be free from frustrations and imperfections! What a motivation to persevere!

I became even more aware of the extent of God’s mercy as I listened to Curt's prayer during one of the sessions. He thanked God for the rewards he promises to the faithful believer, and for extending that blessing towards us who can only please him by the power of his Holy Spirit. Yes, God forgave my failures, both past and present. And yes, Christ rescued me from hell. Those truths alone should draw me to my knees in total amazement. But there is more. Not only has he cleansed my heart from sin, but he promises eternal reward in heaven for my obedience. And even more unfathomable is the truth that any obedience I demonstrate only occurs because he enables me to obey. Without him, I am powerless to change my own heart.

I am still encouraged by the way Lightswitch came together during this retreat. In the past, I have experienced many situations in which believers, even those who have known each other for years, failed to invest in one another's lives. As a result, fellowship was hindered by exclusive cliques or by reclusive individuals. During this retreat, however, I experienced an atmosphere of mutual love, respect, and unity that could only exist by God's grace!

Mealtime was one of the many instances I observed this unity; I noticed that a lot of people sat with a different group at each meal. I had to laugh when April and I walked into the dining hall one day, and April suddenly ran over to a table with a less-than-equal boy-to-girl ratio, shouting, “Hey! Why are we, like, segregated?” I also saw the married couples sitting with the singles, and vice-versa. It encouraged and convicted me. It reminded me that we believers need each other and are responsible to support one another.