Growing Together in God's Creation

by Julia Weiss

Julia is an intern in this year's LLI TRANSFORM Training 2018

The first week at Leadership Lab International was already a very precious time for me. We (our team of 7 participants from 6 different countries) were able to get to know each other better and already grew together as a team! Especially our hiking trip during the weekend was an experience that bound us together. As we were on our way to the top of a mountain called Kamenjak, the way got more difficult and rocky the further we came. Since we almost had to start climbing with our heavy backpacks, we finally decided to turn around, go part of the way back and take a different path that brought us quite quickly to the top of the mountain.

Looking back our hiking experience, it became an image for me for our walk with Christ. Sometimes we come across obstacles that challenge us a lot and sometimes it seems like we can‘t go on anymore. Maybe we even ask ourselves if it was a mistake to go this way. But even during these times, we can trust the Lord‘s guidance. He doesn‘t make mistakes and he never leaves our side! And even when the way seems senseless to the point of turning around and going back, it is not senseless to Him! He has a different perspective on our lives and sometimes brings things in our lives to strengthen us for what is to come. He remains faithful, and so this experience encourages me to hold on to what is said in Romans 8,28:

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”