This summer I was called by God to minister through Youth Challenge. I was impressed that God had a special purpose for me on the team and specific things to teach me. But when I joined I knew that without the grace of God I couldn’t do it. This summer I have encountered many challenges and each time I had to continue in faith and say, “God I choose to surrender to your will and quit worrying.”
One day I came to a house with a huge BEWARE OF DOG sign. I opened the gate when I heard barking. I felt impressed to keep going, that God would keep me safe. But I ignored the voice. I tried to justify myself saying it was self-preservation, but God didn’t buy it. He reminded me of the times I’d reassured my teammates and that I wasn’t normally afraid of dogs. So I said I was sorry. But God said, “Do you trust me enough to obey?” I wanted to leave so badly but I felt God compelling me to go. So I went. A man came out and as we talked, his dogs came around. They were just noisy and hyperactive. Before I left I prayed with the man. I was so excited that I had been victorious. In Proverbs 3:5 it says “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will direct you paths.”
Later, at another house a dog growled and broke out the screen door window. A lady appeared and as I started talking she told me she had absolutely no money and no time to read. She then continued on a litany about all her problems and how things were falling apart in her life. She seemed pretty closed until I offered to pray with her. “Okay, I could use that,” she said and continued with her concerns. “I’m not handling all this real well and I’ve been a Christian for 30 years. You know the Lord says not to grow weary while doing good, and I…” she trailed off. “ You know that’s a lot of hard stuff you’re dealing with.” I told her. I reminded her that when we feel like were becoming weary is the time to lean on Him all the harder. I prayed with her and as I was leaving she said, “ I think God sent you to me. I was going to pray earlier, but we ran out of time. I think God didn’t want me to go without praying.” Then she hugged me and said, “God bless you.” I know God planned for me to be there for this lady. He worked through me to bless us both. In Ephesians 3:14-20 ,God says “ For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” God has a purpose for all of us and if we are willing to trust and obey, He will do amazing things with us and through us.
Amanda