So, you went on a Cru Summer Project and had an amazing time, right? You went deeper in your relationship with Christ. You saw God respond to your step of faith in unmistakable, powerful ways. You experienced authentic, real relationships with other people around you. This summer didn't just change the lives of those you served, it changed your life . . . forever!
And that's why it can be a challenge to return. Your life was radically changed this summer in a unique way that those that most people in your relational world simply didn't experience.
You got back home and were asked, "So how was that trip you went on?" In a moment of quiet desperation, you realized how impossible it is to explain weeks worth of transformation in a one-minute response. You were suddenly, perhaps shockingly, snatched back into normal life with people who just don't get it.
Sound familiar?
After directing seven summer projects, I've heard about it and known the feeling myself. For many of us, summer project was like a "mountaintop experience" full of life-changing moments, which is why we loved it so much. But the trouble with the mountaintop for me was that I had to go back down into the valley. I couldn't stay up there forever. And coming back down was sometimes be a bumpy ride.
Fortunately, there are several examples of people who had mountaintop experiences in the Bible. One in particular, the prophet Elijah, has been very instructive.
If you like action heroes, Elijah was the man! During a time when most of his fellow Israelites rejected God, Elijah stood firm—even in opposition to the king of Israel. 1 Kings 18 records one of several "episodes" that pitted him against the wicked King Ahab who, along with Queen Jezebel, had been leading the Israelites into idolatry. The unfaithfulness of the people led to drought and oppression, and Elijah couldn't take it anymore. He challenged King Ahab to an epic "spiritual MMA" showdown. The God of Israel vs. Baal and Asherah. Winner take all!
Episode I
The odds were daunting. It was 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah versus Elijah. 950 vs. 1! So Elijah issued the challenge to build an altar and put a bull on it. Whoever could get the one they worship to ignite their altar with fire would win.
While the prophets of Baal were unsuccessful in trying to get their offering supernaturally burned, Elijah called on the Lord who completely and dramatically consumed his offering with fire. The Israelites repented of worshipping false gods and wiped out the prophets of Baal, delivering a decisive and embarrassing loss to the royal family and their system of idolatry.
This was Elijah's mountaintop experience. And many people on a summer project can relate to it: God moved in miraculous ways. People's hearts turned to God. God used you this summer to do these things and it was amazing. But, the story doesn't end there.
Episode II
Not everyone was excited. Queen Jezebel wasn't there. She didn't see God move. But when she heard about the incident, she promised to kill Elijah within 24 hours. She was ruthless and powerful so Elijah, the hero, ran for his life. Elijah fled for a whole day to get away from his assassins. Finally exhausted from the whole experience, he collapsed and fell into a deep funk. After experiencing a triumphant victory on the mountain, he entered the valley of despair. He was ashamed and crushed. He was so depressed he asked God to end his life.
Physically, spiritually, and emotionally exhausted, he just crashed and went to sleep under the nearest tree. Many of us can relate to that "crash." Some fear or temptation that you thought was decisively and permanently defeated surfaces again at home. People who weren't "on the mountain" reject or dismiss what happened on the project. Or maybe you're simply exhausted. The sense of despair and even depression can be so real that it can darken any sign of hope. But the story doesn't end there, either.
Episode III
The Lord sent an angel to feed Elijah and instruct him several times to rest, for "the journey is too great for you." Then, after replenishing Elijah's physical needs, The Lord sent him on a personal spiritual retreat where He met Elijah's spiritual needs. He spoke to Elijah in a barely audible whisper. Finally, The Lord instructed Elijah to anoint a new king in Israel and a new prophet; a prodigy who would eventually succeed him as Israel's prophet. Here the Lord met Elijah's social and emotional needs for community. Contrary to what Elijah thought, he wasn't alone.
God's response to Elijah is so relevant to where many of us find ourselves after a summer project. We can feel exhausted, misunderstood, and even discouraged and disoriented from the emotional whiplash of going from a mountaintop to a valley so suddenly.
God met Elijah's physical needs. Time on the mountain takes a toll on the body.
Summer project is intense and very exhausting. Take time to recover. It's important to rest and recover for a few days. So do something that will recharge and refresh you.
God also met Elijah's spiritual needs. The spiritual energy exerted on the mountain is massive.
Make sure you take time to process it. I recommend journaling about your experiences over the summer and preparing a presentation to highlight what God did. Perhaps you may need to get away for a day and just connect with God. It's important to reflect on what God did and what he might be calling you to do as a result.
Lastly, God responded to Elijah's social and emotional needs. He pointed Elijah to people around him who could support His call. Elisha ended up being his student and travel companion.
You may have been the only person in your zip code who had the unique mountaintop experience but you are not the only one who loves God and desires to serve Him. Stay in community by supporting the other people on your summer project who also could use encouragement and celebration of what God did. But then also look to raise up an Elisha who you can deposit into what you've learned and maybe who will then go next summer. Pass on your passion by leaving a legacy!
Perhaps you're post-summer project time has been amazing. That's wonderful. Make sure you use that testimony to encourage others.
The life change you experienced this summer on the mountaintop is still relevant when you leave it. Identify your physical, spiritual, and social needs so that you make the next episode even more amazing than the last.
What was the most life changing part of your summer? What's a creative way you can commemorate it?
What is your most significant post-summer project need? Who can you reach out to for help?
Episode IV ???
It's up to you.
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