At any given camp, there are essentially five categories of participants: hostile, indifferent, fake, interested, and authentic. Regardless of where someone falls on that spectrum, we are always glad to see them and will do everything in our power to point them to Jesus. Interested or not, they need Jesus.
While we are to seek the Lord (Acts 17:27), in a very real sense, He also finds us. In John 6:44, Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” The word translated “draw” comes from the Greek helkuo, which means “to draw” either literally or figuratively. This concept is both profound and humbling. It reminds us that God is actively working in the hearts of individuals, awakening them to the realization that there is something greater than themselves.
I once heard an illustration about snowboarding that stuck with me. In this sport, the difference between a beginner and an expert lies in how they respond to the pull of gravity. Experts don’t resist it—they lean into the slope, allowing them to glide effortlessly. Beginners, however, tend to fight against the pull, which often leads to falls or a loss of momentum. Mastery comes from embracing the pull rather than resisting it.
The same principle applies to surfing. Just as seasoned snowboarders lean into the slope, skilled surfers don’t fight the wave. Instead, they position themselves to catch it and lean into its momentum. You’ll never see a surfer paddling away from a wave they intend to ride; they embrace its power, letting it carry them forward. Whether on the mountain or in the ocean, there’s value to leaning into the pull, as opposed to resisting it.
In the same way, when we sense God drawing us, our response should not be to resist but to embrace Him fully. We’ve all struggled with resistance at times—whether out of fear of the unknown or a desire to follow our own plans. Yet, when we yield to God, we always find ourselves better for it. Just as it’s daunting to step into a puddle without knowing its depth, trusting Jesus and leaning into His guidance takes courage. But the places He leads us are always far better than anything we could discover on our own.
So, when you feel God calling you, don’t hold back. Lean in, embrace His calling, and let Him lead you into the abundant life He promises.
May God help us all to lean into the pull.
You are loved,
Les
