Proclaim the greatness of the Lord.
“You came into my life, you made me whole. You turn my world around, no longer a fool”
My second ILC. I remember my first ILC reflection “I am for Christ” (http://yfc.tumblr.com/post/4837180056/i-am-for-christ) last year and the thing is, I didn’t have any idea if I was going for this year’s ILC in Kalibo, Aklan. As a matter of fact, I didn’t even want to go in the first place. I was having a silent struggle with my family, friends and school. You know, the usual problems teenagers face nowadays hah. I felt unworthy and undeserving. But you know what? God is always bigger than our problems. Again, I cannot stress more on how He works in mysterious ways. He made it happen, he made me go and again, I was healed.
“You took my tears and made me smile, you lifted me up”
Blessed. That’s what I’m feeling right now. Before the ILC, I thought I lost faith. I thought that I lost the intimate relationship I had with God. I had so many doubts and fears that I forgot how great and awesome he is. But truly, brothers and sisters I felt his majestic presence during the conference, his love and his mighty power. He was there talking to me during all the talks and the amazing homilies during the Holy mass. He was also whispering to me during the wonderful Praise & Worships. And let me tell you, the Praise & Worships during the conference or any conferences from the previous years are priceless. It was something that even a thousand words could not describe.
“You have captured me today, Jesus”
Healed. This ILC was all about Him. It was all about surrendering yourself, and lifting yourself up to Him, the Almighty. I surrendered my fears as I kneeled down before him and I lifted myself up as I worshipped him with all my open heart and mind. My faith has been restored. The simplicity of this year’s ILC gave us a clear message:
GOD KNOWS WE’RE WORTH IT
Indeed, we are worth it. God brought us here in this world for a purpose, He brought us here to love and to serve. If he’s not giving up on us, why should we give up on ourselves? He brought us here to be young, Christian and most importantly, Happy. He brought us here to be Christ and bring Christ wherever we are.
“Ablaze for you, Lord. I wanna go out and spread your Love”
So am I going for next year’s ILC? Hah, who knows? It’s all in God’s plan and all in his will. Being an International Delegate makes it even harder to decide but if he made me go for two ILCs already, he will make me go for more :) Amen? AMEN. Let us continue proclaim and testify the greatness of the Lord!
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38,39)
Joanna Mariel, 15 | YFC SINGAPORE
