After a storm blew through the camporee on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, a double rainbow appeared over the Lake Union lighthouse entrance, an apt reminder for us to believe in God’s promises. Photo credit: Rebekah Helsius
Case in point. The Believe the Promise 2024 Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, had some unexpected storms. Fifty-five thousand international participants were excited to participate in the grand opening event at the stadium. Some clubs secured their place very early. But the program was canceled abruptly as ominous dark clouds quickly gathered in the western sky. Word went out for everyone to brace themselves for a severe storm. Clubs sprang into action to secure tents and anything loose. Everyone was to shelter in place. The storm intensified as it embraced the campground. Lightning lit up the sky and kids screamed. Everyone was advised to find hard shelter rather than tents. There was a scramble to get into buildings or cars as tents were abandoned.
In the midst of the severe storm, I was reminded of the very story we were there to experience at the Believe the Promise Camporee. Worse than a severe storm, extreme panic set in with the sudden sight of the dreaded Egyptian army. Placed in an inescapable predicament the Israelites, who greatly rejoiced at being free, blamed those leading them into this calamity. Panic set in “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness?” (Exodus 14:11). This is the same inescapable predicament God says He carried them out of on eagles’ wings to Himself. (Exodus 19:4)
God had to change their hearts from total fear to His total presence. When the heart focuses on the enemy threat, especially when focused on talking about and blaming Satan, it can be paralyzed with fear. God calls the fear-filled to “stand still” and Believe the Promise His presence will provide. God’s command “Don’t be afraid” in Exodus 14:13 only makes sense amid the threatening storm when you know His presence is with you. Train the soul in panic to stand still and praise God for His living presence.
God is the big matter of belief that ensures making us fearless as we fear Him for everything. Then, having stood still in God’s presence and having believed His promises through prayer, we can move from the temptation to panic to fearless peace, obeying His command to “go forward” into His possibilities.
Darrel le Roux pastors the Grand Rapids and the Lowell Fellowship churches and serves as the Grand Rapids district coordinator for the Michigan Conference.
