Returning From The Mountain

What an AMAZING encounter we had with the Most High God at Camp Awaken 2025! I am sure I can say for most of us that we came up that mountain one way, but then left with more than we could’ve imagined. God was waiting for us and was ready to pour out His love and spirit over all of His children that weekend. I am so grateful to encounter such a life altering moment with you all.

Most of us would say that we would love to do it all over again or can’t wait to go back up that mountain for the next camp. But, what happens in the meantime of us waiting for that next experience with God? Some of us may be asking, “What’s next God?” Maybe you're questioning how to navigate this new heart change from going one way and leaving completely different. How do I experience the same God and freedom that was at camp in the midst of my daily, ongoing life? The answers to these lingering questions are the very thing the Lord placed on my heart as I was returning back to my daily walk with Christ. 

It is very easy for us to chase an encounter and experience with God without knowing how to have a relationship with Him. We seek the next event and Holy Spirit fix to fill us up until we run empty again. We forget that the same God that was on that mountain stirring our spirit and pouring out His love is with us in our secret place whenever we make room for Him. He is the same God who is with us while we are at work, dropping our kids off at school, making dinner and resting with us at the end of our day. He is waiting every morning to spend time with you and to shower you with the words you need for the day. An experience is nothing without a true relationship with our beautiful Father. 

I want to give some applicable steps on maintaining a close relationship with Christ as you step into this next season of your walk:

First, create your secret place with him. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 NLT) Going to church and serving God is amazing, but if we do not have a private relationship with God these things mean nothing. (Matthew 7:22-23) We have to learn how to grow our roots deep into His vine (John 15:5) and be able to listen for His voice in the stillness. Carve out a time and place in your home where you can find designated, uninterrupted time to worship, pray and be still for God to speak. We fill our days to the brim with our to-do list while trying to squeeze God in where He might fit. But, we forget that He is the one who equips us for the things He has called us into in the first place. You cannot pour out from an empty cup.

Second, stand firm onto the promises of the Lord when your ground begins to shake. The enemy comes prowling like a roaring lion seeking whom He may devour.(1 Peter 5:8)  And friend, the last thing he wants is to see you flourishing in God and His calling upon your life. The Lord gave a lot of promises, words, and instructions at camp and He wants us to stand firm on these words as we continue to fulfill His will for our lives. The enemy will begin to plant lies in our minds that contradict every word God has spoken over us, but we must remember that God’s word never returns void. If He said it He meant it! (Isaiah 55:11) Write His word and promises down, make notes to place on your wall and in your phone with scripture to back it up. Every time the enemy shoots a fiery dart at you, return the flame by reciting God’s word over your life! 

Lastly, connect with the community God has brought you! We met so many amazing people this weekend and I'm sure most of us received phone numbers and socials! If you don’t have a church home community already, step out in faith and boldness to reach out to someone you met at camp. If you do have your community, stay connected with your brothers and sisters in Christ. We were not made to walk this life out alone and the enemy would love to isolate you so He can overcome you. God places His people in our life to speak life over us, sharpen us, come into agreement with our prayers, encourage us through the hard times and enjoy all the goodness of this beautiful life. We need to have other believers praying over us as we are walking out our freedom and the calling God has placed in us. (Matthew 18:20, Proverbs 27:17)

I am praying for each and everyone of us who were UNLEASHED at Camp Awaken! We were not meant to stay on that mountain, but to return greater than He found us and to UNLEASH all that God has placed in us to fulfill His purpose in this Earth. He is our Father and we are now and forever His! Humbly, Katalina Patino | Awaken Team