A Thought to Start Your Week // Worry

What fears are dominating your thoughts?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

A Spirit of Power and Love

Yesterday, in French class, we had sub since our teacher had to leave during class. She left us some work to do, but everyone was mainly just talking. One boy sitting near me got up to go get his workbook. He had on a shirt that basically said he was against all religion. As he was walking back, someone asked him about his shirt. He replied that he was against all religions because, as a Christian, he had a relationship not a religion. The boys were understandably confused so he sat down and explained more.

For the following thirty minutes, until the bell rang, he shared the Gospel with them. The whole time I sat there watching them and listening, so impressed and amazed he had the courage to do that. Not many people would. In fact, when I told the girl sitting next to me (who I knew was a Christian) we should pray that they would open their hearts to his words she just shrugged and said she didn’t like getting into debates over religion.

Another girl entered the discussion only long enough to say she didn’t believe in God since He had never done anything for her. I almost said something to her, but held back. I wasn’t sure what to say and I was afraid she’d be able to throw everything I could say back in my face. So I just prayed for the three boys who were hearing the Gospel.

I think we all fall into one of those three categories when it comes to sharing our faith: courageous and fearless of what others think, apathetic, or shy. What’s sad is that most of us probably don’t fall into the first category, including myself. I think what’s also sad is how impressed I was that this guy was sharing his faith so openly. Shouldn’t that be an everyday occurrence? Not something that is shocking because it’s never done?

Watching that boy share his faith really inspired me. Listening to him made me excited, excited that those boys got to hear the Gospel. When I go back to school on Monday, and every other day, I want to try to live out my faith more. I don’t want to have a spirit of timidity, but one of “power and love” like it says in 2 Timothy. Will you join me?

If you want to reach out to your friends, here is a list of other blog posts on the topic of evangelism: A Light for Jesus, Thanksgiving Evangelism, The Aroma of Christ, Using Harry Potter for Evangelism, Can God Use You?, and How Will They Remember Me? 

Ten Years Later

Ten years ago today, the twin towers fell. It was a dark  moment in US history, but glimmers of light shone through that day as well. God knew what was going to happen all along and He was there on that day. He had a purpose for all the pain that was caused and He still has a purpose.

On days like today, when fear and pain seem to grip our hearts with iron-fists, we have to remember that God is in control. This world is a scary place, but through Jesus we can have everlasting peace, joy, and security.

“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” -Psalm 46:6-7, 10

Can God Use You?

I saw this on Facebook and thought I’d share…

The next time you feel like God can’t use you, just remember: Noah was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a liar, Leah was ugly, Joseph was abused, Moses had a stuttering problem, Gideon was afraid, Samson had long hair and was a womanizer, Rahab was a prostitute, Jeremiah and Timothy were too young, David had an affair and was a murderer, Elijah was suicidal, Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran from God, Naomi was a widow, Job went bankrupt, John the Baptist ate bugs, Peter denied Christ, The Disciples fell asleep while praying, Martha worried about everything, The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once, Zaccheus was too small, Paul was too religious, Timothy had an ulcer…AND Lazarus was dead!  Now, no more excuses. God can use you to your full potential!

So Beautiful

“I will!” As soon as the words were out of my mouth I regretted them. We were all huddled around the bus hugging our arms to our bodies to keep warm in the damp morning air. Everyone looked relieved that I had spoken first. The leader smiled his appreciation and went off to talk to someone about the whereabouts of our bus driver. My heart pounded, what had I got myself into? I had just agreed to give my testimony at an orphanage on the first week of my missions trip to Ethiopia. I had never given my testimony before and now I had just volunteered to give it in front of a large group. Yikes.

We all clamored on the bus and set off for AHope Orphanage. There are many orphanages in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, but this one was different because every child there has AIDS and will probably die. We had no idea what we were doing. Maybe we’d teach them English, maybe we’d sing songs, or maybe we’d just play. We were there to do whatever they wanted. Whatever would bring them joy.

The bus turned into a muddy ally and a few minutes later we stopped in front of a blue gate. My stomach flipped. I had already been to two orphanages in the few days I’d been in Ethiopia and I didn’t like them. I was never sure what to do or what to say to the kids. They made me uncomfortable. But this was different. We walked into a large open area with brightly painted walls that shone from the bright sunshine overhead. All the children had smiles on their faces, eagerly waiting to play with us.

I pushed my fears in the back of head and smiled. Soon the courtyard was filled with laughter as all the boys played soccer and kids ran around with our cameras in hand, taking as many pictures as they could. I walked around taking pictures and trying to talk with the kids, but most of them barely spoke any English, so I stood unsure what to do. Finally, I walked over to a group of girls in the corner. Apparently it was wash-and-braid-your-hair-day. They were crowded around one of the leaders, eagerly braiding her hair. I smiled at the sweet sight. One of the girls noticed me watching and motioned me to come sit down. I went over to her and before I knew it she was braiding my hair. It hurt like crazy, but it was worth it. After ten minutes of excruciating pain the girl stepped back and nodded her head in content. She took my camera and took a picture to show me her work. When I saw the picture I felt all bubbly inside; I looked just like them (minus the bright blonde hair)! As I looked up to thank her I caught the eye of one of the leaders; it was time.

We rounded up all the kids and went inside a small, dim room with a tv set playing Toy Story 3 and lots of drawing done by the kids. As I took my place at the front of the room I felt at peace. The lyrics to a song ran through my head. “So tell me, what is our ending? Will it be beautiful, so beautiful?” I wondered how the lives of these children would end. I prayed a quick prayer and waited for everyone to quiet down.  My legs were shaking and I looked nervous (as one of the orphans later told me…), but on the inside I was at peace. Thankfully, I had a translator so I didn’t have to worry about them understanding me. I slowly began to talk, explaining about how God has always been there for me and how’s He always takes away my fears. Everyone sat quietly, listening and, hopefully, taking my words to heart.

After I had finished, I sat down. I was finished. I had done it. And God had been with me the whole time. As we drove away from the orphanage I watched them slowly close the gate, straining to see a few last glimpses of the children inside. The bus started to drive away. I closed my eyes, a smile resting on my face. I would never forget that day. It was beautiful.

 

Too Small

I worry. A lot. I know that God is in control, but I still get scared and let my fears control me. Sometimes fears are real, like fearing a bully at school. Sometimes fears, when you really think about them, aren’t that big of a deal, like worrying about a test that’s a month away. And sometimes, fears just aren’t worth your time, like worrying about not finding the right dress for your school dance. Though no matter how big or small or silly your fear is, God cares about it.

I love this quote by Corrie Ten Boom, “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to made into a burden.” Next time you’re worrying about something grab a sticky note. At the top write your worry. Underneath that write why you’re so worried about it. It helps to actually think about your fears and write them down. Identifying your fear will help you know how to combat it. Next write what’s giving you the fear; if it’s those mystery books you’ve been reading 24/7, give them back to the library fast! If it’s spending time with someone who’s always worrying, stop spending time with her!  But before you do all that, you should pray. You should always turn to God first when you’re worried about something. He will give you peace about it.

Philippians 4:5b-7 says, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Now tear that sticky note up and throw it away! Don’t let your fears hold you captive; give them to God and experience His wonderful peace.

Living in fear isn’t a healthy lifestyle. You miss out on so much if you’re constantly worried. And there’s alway something to worry about, but if you give your fears to God, He’ll replace your fear. Don’t let worry rule your heart. Let the peace of God wash over you and melt your worries away. Only then will you truly be able to live life joyfully.

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15a