Expect the Unexpected
God works in ways we can’t imagine. These last two weeks have been filled with unforeseen events. Through it all, I’ve come to know God’s mighty power even better.
In this final installment of my summer series, I’ll talk about my family vacation, an all-important phone call, the end of camp, a church program I participated in, and more. The end of summer was the opposite of relaxing.
Family Holidays.
Every year, my extended family goes to a lake for a week. We’ve done this for over ten years now. Connecting with my family through beach time, tubing, playing games, watching movies, and eating is an amazing experience. This year was no exception.
An Unexpected Call.
If you’ve followed my blog for the last few months, you’re no doubt aware that I completed my Lifeguard training in May. (Here’s the link to a post all about it.) Well, at the start of August, I submitted my resume to the local Aquatic Centre, with hopes of working there part-time in the fall. So on the second day of vacation (Monday), I received a call, telling me to come in for my pool test…on Wednesday.
I’d hoped the test would be after our vacation (so we wouldn’t have to drive 90 minutes back to town), but I told myself that if God wanted me to do this, I would do it. Unfortunately, I was also getting very sick. By Tuesday night, I had zero energy. I knew if I was asked to do the timed endurance test the following day there was no shot I’d complete it. And you have to pass all the tests to have a chance at getting the job.
The Test.
Wednesday morning my dad and I drove home for the test. 90 minutes there, 90 minutes back. The pool test lasted around two hours. It was like my National Lifeguarding exam, with the added bonus of several fitness / endurance tests.
I’m cooked, I thought to myself. It took me a few tries to beat the timed swim during Nationals, and I was at 100% health when I did it. Now I was at 70%. Plus I’d been at camp all month and hadn’t gone on a solid run in weeks.
Why I am saying all this? Because I want to show you how God works in amazing ways. I completed the timed swim. I truthfully can’t tell you how it happened. I was so stuffed up that I couldn’t breathe while doing the front crawl, so I switched between breaststroke and back crawl. Any good swimmer knows those strokes can be way slower. Still, “somehow” I passed. But it wasn’t by my power.
It was by God’s strength that I did what I did. As soon as I finished, I knew this story had to be part of a blog post. Once again, I’d tangibly seen God at work answering prayer. (I also wondered if God had given me literal superpowers to complete the swim, which would’ve been extra cool.)
Only By His Strength.
After I completed the test, I was reminded of Jesus’ words from Matthew 19:26 (NIV): “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” It goes to show both our dependence on God and the wonderful things He can do when we prayerfully ask.
After the pool test, I was scheduled for an interview – the following day. More driving, yay… My dad and I drove back to the lake for the rest of the afternoon and evening. The following day we came home for the interview, then returned to the lake a second time. It wasn’t ideal, and I missed the time I could’ve spent with my family. But I guess it was worth it, because they offered me a job as a Lifeguard. Major answer to prayer.
While our family vacation wasn’t what we expected, it was a good time, and I’m glad we could do it. Time spent with family should never be taken for granted. Having a family that lives close to each other and wants to be together is very special.
The Camp Climax.
Following the highly eventful week of “vacation”, I took Saturday to rest (if you count moving boxes at my grandparents’ as resting). On Sunday it was back to camp, for the final time. Serving and Lifeguarding at camp this summer has been a blessing, and I’m honoured to be a part of such a great team of Staff.
The Debrief lasted three days. All the Staff came back to camp, where we cleaned up, reflected on the summer, and had fun too. We went cliff jumping, swimming, and had a karaoke / movie / hide ‘n’ seek night. Plus we cleaned up the giant inflatable obstacle course that was on the river.
I can’t put into words what it means to see so many people committed to giving their all for Jesus. It’s something the world needs a lot more of. Just goes to show the importance of good Christian community.
Training.
But that wasn’t it for the week. I came home from camp on Tuesday. Then I spent Wednesday and Thursday at church for Worship & Production training. In essence, it’s a week-long program where those who are interested in music and tech can come to church and learn how and why we do what we do. And since I love worship music, tech and learning, I said “Why not?”
Not only did I get to see how our church does audio, video, and lighting, but we spent a lot of time talking about the heart behind why we do what we do. Alas, I had to miss the final day (today). My Lifeguarding journey is speeding forward faster than expected. This morning I was at the city operations building, and in the afternoon I was at the pool. All part of my orientation / training day.
For the time being, I don’t know exactly what guarding may look like, but I promise I’ll keep you guys posted. I’m excited to look for new ways to glorify Jesus in the position He’s put me in. If you have the time, I’d also deeply appreciate your prayers as I navigate this new phase of life.
It’s been a tiring bunch of weeks (to say the least), but I’m not stopping now. I’ve got to keep chasing after Jesus, no matter what.
What Now?
Friend, summer is coming to an end. Yes, we have things to look forward to in the fall, but for now, this is it. I’m going to briefly turn this from what God has done in my life, and instead ask you about your summer. Was it everything you’d hoped it would be? Did you get to do those things you wanted to do?
School is on the horizon. Change is coming with the sunrise. The future looms. Everything seems to shift. Except Jesus. If you’re at all nervous about what’s to come (I know I am), please, talk to Him.
As the world falls apart around us, I’m reminded all the more of our need for Him. Don’t ignore that need. We can’t do it on our own. My summer would not have been what it was without God. Hardship will come – for crying out loud, our water pump at camp failed three times this summer – but if you trust Jesus and lay everything down for Him, He will show you the light on the other side.
We Need Jesus.
Without Jesus, camp wouldn’t have happened. Without prayer, the many problems we encountered would have shut us down. Without Jesus, I wouldn’t have met dozens of wonderful people through camp. Without Jesus, I wouldn’t have this job as a Lifeguard. God works in unexpected ways, but His ways are the best ways. With Jesus, I have everything I could ask for.
If you’ll allow me to share one of the many things I’ve learned during this incredible summer, it’s that if we give everything to Jesus, He gives us everything in return. I’ll tell you with complete honesty that giving it all to Him is a decision you will never regret.
Please. Live your life for Jesus. Live a life worth living.
Fall.
I’ve really enjoyed writing these posts, and I hope you’ve loved reading them as well. Seeing God touching the lives of everyone around me, and Him providing for both big and small needs has been wild. This series could go on and on – so much has happened. Unfortunately, it does have to end for now. Summer is done, but God’s work is not.
In two weeks, I’ll release the one-year recap of Writing, Life, Faith. I find it insane that it’s been 12 months already. In that post, I’ll break down everything that happened during that time, as well as my hopes for the future. Plus you’ll be the first to hear about my new series for Fall, where I’ll be breaking down lies that Christians and non-Christians alike have fallen prey to.
I hope you’ll be there with me to see it happen. Until that day, God bless you. If there’s something He has done in your life that you want to share, please drop a comment. Now let’s get out there and keep changing lives for Christ (:
-Samuel James, signing off for this summer.
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”
Writing, Life, Faith 
Drop a Comment