Beyond Camp Student EditionSample

Bigger Than You Think

I’m not sure what I was expecting the first time I went caving, but a small gap between two large boulders was not it.

Is this the right place? I wondered.

Seconds later, our guide slipped through the gap and disappeared into the inky blackness. Our group followed, and for the next several hours, we walked, crawled, and climbed through a seemingly endless network of tunnels and passages.

When we exited the cave later that day, I looked again at the small opening. It didn’t look like much from the outside, but that cave was bigger than I ever imagined.

That cave reminds me of God’s love. We might think we understand the love that Jesus has for us, but “it is too great to understand fully” (Ephesians 3:19). It’s wider, longer, higher, and deeper than any other love we’ve ever known (v. 18). Just like that cave, the more we explore God’s love, the bigger we’ll find it to be.

Even though we can’t fully comprehend the love of Christ, we can experience it (v. 17). I hope you felt that love at camp, but it doesn’t have to end there. God’s love can meet every need you have, fill the longing in your soul, and carry you through the most difficult times.

His love never fades, never hesitates, and never runs out. No matter what happens in life, you can always know that God loves and is with you.

Written by Steve Collins, South Mountain Christian Camp

How does God’s love for you change the way you view problems? Is there something you can do today to share God’s love with others?

Loving God, I want to experience more of Your love every day. Help me to remember Your love when I’m lonely, when I’m worried, and when I’m afraid.